Raising Kids in the Age of AI: What Parents Need to Know

May 13, 2026 - 11:16

Civil rights attorney, former Google executive, and mother of four Michele Jawando argues that parents hold more power than they realize in determining how artificial intelligence will impact the next generation. In a landscape where AI tools are already shaping how children learn, play, and communicate, Jawando insists that families are not just passive consumers of technology but active architects of its future.

Jawando points out that many parents feel overwhelmed by the rapid pace of AI development. They worry about screen time, data privacy, and whether their kids will lose essential human skills. But she believes the most important step is simple: stay engaged. Instead of banning devices outright, parents should ask questions about how AI works, discuss ethical dilemmas, and model critical thinking at home.

She also emphasizes that children need to understand that AI is not neutral. It reflects the biases and values of its creators. By teaching kids to question what they see online and to recognize when an algorithm might be nudging them in a certain direction, parents can raise a generation that uses AI as a tool rather than being used by it.

Jawando's message is ultimately one of empowerment. She says the best way to protect children is not to shield them from AI but to raise them to be thoughtful, skeptical, and compassionate humans who can shape technology for the better.