With each new app, platform, or device, the tech industry races to offer technological solutions promising They can make us believe we’ve done our part simply by installing an app or enabling a setting. No app can teach empathy. No algorithm can model critical thinking. This kind of learning requires real-life role models and not AI generated companionship apps. The most effective “parental control” isn’t an app, it’s a parent or caregiver who stays connected, informed

When parents browse the Apple App Store or Google Play, it’s easy to assume the age ratings listed for each app are trustworthy. Age Ratings in Apple’s App Store and Google Play.” (1)  The findings were eye-opening, age ratings often ratings for apps, games, movies, and shows. downloads. (5) “BrightCanary”, a parental monitoring app that helps manage and review app activity.

Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases .            Set Installing Apps to Don’t Allow . Set Deleting Apps to Don’t Allow (optional). Set In-App Purchases to Don’t Allow . Only In-App Purchases – Only in-app purchases need approval. You’ll receive a notification for app approval when your child tries to download an app. 3/ Set Parental To set age-based app restrictions: After enabling Parental Controls, tap Apps & Games .

Historically, this section of the law has been applied to human behaviour where one person influences Artificial intelligence, particularly AI companionship apps, is introducing a new layer of complexity The opportunity is that AI can support learning, creativity, and even reflection when used appropriately Would such changes influence how companies build and release AI companionship tools? Likely. What we are now grappling with is how that principle applies when the “voice” doing the encouraging is

Sitting across from us was what appeared to be a young family. The parents looked to be in their early thirties, seated with a young son who appeared to be under the In fact, the child appeared to be looking for interaction, attention, and connection from his parents where technology companies are competing aggressively for human attention, and now affection given AI companionship apps, perhaps one of the greatest forms of digital literacy we can model for our children is showing

We simply visited the Apple App Store on each device and installed it. On the child’s device, we downloaded the BrightCanary app from the Apple App Store, selected “This is remove the app. This app is designed for the iPhone, iPad, and iWatch only. It was easy for us to download the app onto the child’s device, and then hide the app’s icon so that

One concerning trend that has recently emerged involves AI-generated kissing and hugging apps, which These apps allow users to take a still image of any two individuals and generate a highly realistic video While some lower-end apps may reveal their AI-generated nature, others are highly sophisticated, making Given the risks posed by these AI-powered apps, it is crucial for parents, caregivers, and educators The rise of AI-generated kissing and hugging apps presents a serious risk that cannot be ignored and

– not all apps are built the same! apps in the Apple store, and 2.8 million apps in the Google store, ensuring that the one your child A really good resource to research an app can be found at Common Sense Media (2) Many apps have age ratings Look into the app's payment features and determine if in-app purchases can be disabled. Is the app the type of app that you want your child to have on their phone?

When an app says that a message, photograph, or video disappears, it generally means that the content apps. The Challenge is that apps change, and features migrate between platforms. Instead of only asking, “Does this app have disappearing messages?” The specific buttons, settings, apps, and platforms will come and go.

Apps will come and go, artificial intelligence will become more sophisticated, and social media platforms While youth and teenagers may appear confident on the outside, many are quietly trying to determine where This is where the human element becomes more powerful than any app, filter, monitoring software, or parental Rather than trying to anticipate every app, every trend, or every online risk, parents can invest in

Caveat - Earlier this year, we wrote about how the popular app Pinterest includes a private messaging Spotify is no longer just a music streaming app. Other social sharing options that may be available in your region or app version. This does not mean parents and caregivers should panic or immediately remove the app. As we often say, good digital parenting is not about knowing every app.

To a young person still learning how to process big emotions, these chatbots can appear not just helpful For a teenager who feels unheard or overwhelmed, this can be incredibly appealing. Instead of approaching the topic with fear or judgment, invite curiosity by questions such as: “Have raising-ai-ready-youth-safety-privacy-ethics-and-success-plans   (Parents & Educator Program) 3/    https://www.thewhitehatter.ca/post/how-ai-companionship-and-fantasy-role-playing-apps-manipulate-teen-emotions 4/   https://www.thewhitehatter.ca/post/update-youth-teens-and-ai-companionship-apps   5/   https://