Digital Risks for Children Interacting with AI Tools
The Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC) in Mexico City, through its Cybernetic Police, issued a warning this week about the risks children, girls, and teens face when interacting with artificial intelligence (AI) tools like Google Gemini. These platforms are not designed for underage users and may expose them to inappropriate, biased, or even violent content.
Hidden Dangers in the Digital Age
The dependency explanation highlights that although AI models appear as helpful assistants, they generate automatic responses that can include misinformation or distorted facts. This poses a risk during stages when children haven’t developed enough critical thinking to differentiate between reliable sources and false information.
One of the greatest dangers lies in the collection of personal data. Many minors, unaware, share sensitive information like their name, location, or interests.
Although platforms establish privacy policies, the SSC warned that there are often ineffective controls preventing the misuse of this data for advertising or other improper purposes, thus violating their right to privacy.
Moreover, the alert warns about the possibility of young people developing an emotional or technological dependency on AI tools. The models’ ability to respond in natural language can foster an excessive trust relationship, replacing parental, guardian, or professional guidance. This could lead to isolation or misinformation.
7 Recommendations from the Cybernetic Police
Though no specific incidents have been reported in Mexico City, the SSC considers fostering supervision and digital education at home crucial. Here are their key recommendations:
- 1. Establish safe browsing habits: set limited internet usage times and use child-friendly filters.
- 2. Avoid interaction with strangers: teach children not to share personal data or converse with unknown individuals online.
- 3. Use child-adapted platforms: prefer versions with parental controls and content filters.
- 4. Keep systems and apps updated: maintain devices current to reduce vulnerabilities.
- 5. Use secure passwords: avoid sharing them and teach proper handling.
- 6. Encourage open dialogue: create trust-building spaces to discuss negative online experiences.
- 7. Install protective software: use up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware that strengthen device security.
The Cybernetic Police emphasized that prevention and family collaboration are essential for protecting minors in the digital environment. They also reiterated their availability 24/7 for guidance or reports at phone number 55 5242 5100, extension 5086, or email [email protected], as well as their official networks @SSC_CDMX and @UCS_GCDMX.
“The digital safety of girls, boys, and teens is our top priority,” concluded the SSC.
