The Parent ProTech Team Talks AI, Kids, and Digital Parenting

Raising kids in a world full of apps, chatbots, and AI can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to. We recently sat down with Joshua and Brock from the Parent ProTech team to get their practical, no-nonsense advice on guiding kids safely through today’s digital landscape. 

If you haven’t heard about Parent ProTech yet, you probably will soon! They’re passionate about equipping parents and educators with expert-backed tools to help keep kids safe online. From starting everyday tech conversations to understanding the risks of AI, their tips make it easier for parents to keep kids connected, informed, and protected.

What types of lessons are you and your team at Parent ProTech creating for students specifically? How are students reacting to the things that they are learning?

At Parent ProTech, our goal is to create lessons that meet students where they are. Our K–12, ISTE-aligned curriculum covers everything from oversharing and cyberbullying to digital detoxing (AKA “touching grass”) and even avoiding copyright infringement when posting online.

One of my favorite new lessons is all about AI chatbots. In our video, we discuss how chatbots are popping up everywhere, from social media and shopping apps to banks, schools, and even on streaming platforms. We help students make sense of what they are and, just as importantly, what they aren’t. The key message we share is that AI chatbots are tools, not therapists or friends. At the end of the day, they’re just doing math — and we’re the equation.

Students have responded really well to that kind of honesty. So many people we meet have already dealt with AI confusion, online bullying, pressure to overshare, or tricky online interactions. They appreciate that we don’t talk at them, but with them. Our team’s still pretty young, so we’re not far removed from those same experiences. That helps us connect in a real, authentic way that students can relate to.

Can you give us some ways to start a conversation with your child about their digital world?

The best conversations don’t have to feel like “a talk.” They can happen anywhere, whether that’s on the way to practice, while cooking dinner, or even when you’re scrolling together.

Start by asking simple, open-ended questions like:

• “What apps are your friends into right now?”
• “Have you seen anything online lately that made you laugh…or made you uncomfortable?”
• “If you could design your own app, what would it do?”

These kinds of questions invite kids to share without feeling like they’re being interrogated. The reality is, your kids are going to learn about the good, bad, and ugly of the online world from someone. It might be a friend at school, a classmate on the bus, or from you. That’s why we challenge parents to step up and have the tough conversations early.

We’re big fans of Dr. Michael Rich, also known as the Mediatrician, and he talks about the power of “car talks.” It’s a simple but strong concept. The next time you’re tempted to turn on a podcast or blast music in the car with your kids, try using that time to let a conversation unfold. Ask questions. Listen more than you talk. 

You might be surprised by how much your kids are actually willing to share when the moment feels natural and you don’t have to have direct eye contact. After all, the goal isn’t to have one big talk about tech, it’s to create a space and rhythm where ongoing conversations can thrive. 

What are the top three dangers parents should be aware of when it comes to using AI?

Only three? That’s a tough one! But if we had to narrow it down, here’s where parents should focus:

1. AI is a tool, not a friend.

Even OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, has acknowledged that many users are turning to chatbots like ChatGPT as a kind of therapist. That’s scary. AI doesn’t feel empathy or compassion. It can sound supportive, but it doesn’t actually understand you one bit.

2. AI learns from flawed humans and incomplete data.

Every AI system is trained on data created by people, which means it inherits our biases and blind spots. These models can confidently share misinformation, and kids who don’t yet know how to verify what they see are especially vulnerable.

3. Data equals power.

Every time we interact with AI, we’re feeding it valuable data about us, like our words, preferences, and habits. Most people don’t realize how much personal information they’re willingly giving away every week. That data gives companies incredible influence over what we see, think, and even buy.

At the end of the day, this technology is still very, very new. It’s evolving fast, and so should our awareness. For parents, the key is to stay alert and engaged. And please, help your kids use AI wisely, not blindly.

How should parents approach the topic of AI with their children?

TALK ABOUT IT. Test it out together. Ask your kids what they already know and how they’re using it. If their school uses AI tools, take a look at the school policy and learn alongside them. The ultimate goal isn’t complete avoidance: The real goal is to understand AI together.

The truth is, your kids are going to need to use AI eventually for school or work. The world of the future will be built on tech, and this tech will inevitably include AI. Tech may never fully replace us, but those who know how to use it responsibly will be leaps and bounds ahead of those who don’t.

So, approach it like any other life skill: Stay curious and make it a shared learning experience instead of a lecture.

How would you explain the dangers of AI chatbots/companions in a way kids can really understand?

I’d tell them this: AI chatbots can be really smart, but they don’t feel anything. They’re like supercomputers that learned to talk by studying millions of conversations. So, when a chatbot says “I’m proud of you,” or “I understand,” it’s not feeling that. It’s simply calculating the words it thinks you want to see or hear next. 

That’s what makes these chatbots so tricky. When you’re feeling stressed or lonely, a response like that can feel real. But it’s not. These bots don’t care about you — they calculate you. They don’t have empathy. They can’t keep secrets. They definitely aren’t your friend. 

As if that wasn’t enough, most of these chatbots are experimental. They confidently make stuff up and say unsafe things. They’re also collecting more data about us than we probably realize. 

The message is simple: AI chatbots are tools, not friends. They can’t really listen to or care about you, but they can collect and use your data. Always double-check what they tell you and protect your privacy. Overall, proceed with caution. 

If you had to pick just ONE app to tell parents to delay allowing their children access for as long as they can, what would it be and why?

If I had to pick one, it’d be Snapchat. Between the questionable content, the built-in My AI chatbot that lives in every feed, and the Snap Map feature that encourages kids to share their location with friends, there’s a lot of potential for problems on this platform.

Snapchat’s disappearing nature makes it especially hard for parents to supervise what’s happening, and for kids to slow down and think before they post. It’s also one of the platforms most frequently linked to sextortion and the pressure to push boundaries online.

On top of that, it’s incredibly addictive. Streaks and constant dopamine-driven feedback loops make it one of the toughest apps for kids to step away from. The longer parents can delay introducing Snapchat, the better. Kids can build connection, creativity, and communication skills in far safer digital spaces first.

Keep the tech talks going with help from Bark

As we’ve learned, talking about tech with your kid isn’t a one-and-done: It’s an ongoing process as they grow up. Fortunately, Bark can help! Our tools help parents manage screen time, block harmful content, and get alerts for potential dangers in texts and social media. These alerts are fantastic ways to check in with your kids and have hard, but important conversations about their digital world.  Check out our products page to learn more about the Bark app, the Bark Phone, the Bark Watch, and Bark Home. 
Want to hear more from experts on raising kids in the digital age? Check out Titania Jordan’s interview with Parent ProTech on Bark’s Parenting in a Tech World podcast. It’s full of practical tips and insights you can use to help protect your child online and in real life.