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Young Makers: AI for KidsLesson 7 of 11

7 · Privacy (keep your secrets secret)

When you type something into a public AI tool, those words don't just vanish. The company that made the tool might save what you typed, and sometimes even use it to help train the AI later. So here's a simple, important rule:

Don't tell an AI your secrets or private information.

Private information means anything that could tell a stranger who you are or where to find you. Keep these off the screen:

  • Your full name, address, or the name of your school.
  • Your phone number or email.
  • A photo of yourself, your family, or your home.
  • Passwords — ever, to anyone or anything.
  • Anything about your family you wouldn't shout out in a crowded park.

A good test: "Would I tell this to a stranger on the street?" If the answer is no, don't tell it to an AI either. Remember, the AI isn't a trusted friend — it's a tool, and you don't know everyone who might see what you type.

What you can do:

  • Ask in a general way. Instead of "Help me get to 123 Maple Street," ask "How do maps help people find places?"
  • Use a pretend name if a tool asks for one and a grown-up says it's okay.
  • Check with a parent or teacher first, and let them know what tools you're using.

UNICEF lists protecting children's privacy as one of the most important rules for AI made for kids — because keeping your private life private helps keep you safe. You're the guard of your own secrets, and that's a job to be proud of.

Think about it. Name three things you should never type into an AI tool. Why does the "stranger on the street" test work so well?

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