Life Kit (NPR): “Teens are using AI. Here’s how parents can talk about it.”

Airdate: September 2, 2025
Host: Marielle Segarra
Featured Experts: Lee Gaines, Nicholas Munkbaer, Ying Xu, Mark Watkins, Dr. Darya Jordovich

Episode Overview

This episode of Life Kit explores the growing presence of generative AI tools—like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Claude—in teens’ lives, with a focus on how parents can effectively talk to their kids about AI. Host Marielle Segarra discusses both risks and benefits, relying on experts in education and mental health. The episode offers practical strategies for parents to open up healthy conversation, foster curiosity, understand dangers, and collaboratively set digital boundaries.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Stage: AI’s Ubiquity Among Kids and Teens

[00:33–01:30]

• AI is now deeply integrated into the lives of teenagers—most notably, via chatbots for school and “AI companions.”
• Surveys: Significant numbers of teens already use these tools; kids are often using AI without much adult guidance.
• Quote:
  “It has been less than three years since ChatGPT was released, and now millions of people across the world use it and other generative artificial intelligence models like Claude or Google Gemini. A lot of those people are kids and teens.”
  —Marielle Segarra [00:35]

2. The Need to Start the Conversation Early

[04:15–06:25]

• Teens like Nicholas Munkbaer (16, Sacramento) have found AI both helpful and problematic—it can become a learning shortcut rather than a supplement.
• Many teens aren’t getting guidance, leading to misuse or underdeveloped skills.
• Quote:
  “I slowly started to realize that it was becoming more of a shortcut for me. It was just giving me an answer without helping me go through the actual process of learning…”
  —Nicholas Munkbaer [04:38]
• Expert Advice:
  • Ying Xu: Parents should start conversations early, even if their kids aren’t using AI, because exposure is likely through peers or school.
  • Mark Watkins: Parents should dedicate regular time (90 mins/week) to learn about and explore AI, thus gaining insight into their children’s world.

3. Approaching With Curiosity, Not Judgment

[10:01–11:15]

• Conversations work best when they’re collaborative, non-judgmental, and based on curiosity.
• Parents should ask open-ended questions about how teens use AI, and what feels helpful vs. frustrating.
• Quote:
  “Approach the conversation with an open mind. Try to refrain from telling your kids what they should or should not be doing with AI.”
  —Lee Gaines [10:01]
• Teens are more likely to share honestly if they don’t feel interrogated.
• Nicholas’s tip: Start a discussion using a news article, rather than direct questioning.
• Quote:
  “They should just, like, bring up AI in general...try to get the conversation started that way.”
  —Nicholas Munkbaer [10:39]

4. Using AI As a Learning Tool With Critical Awareness

[11:17–12:00]

• Nicholas found value using AI as a quiz or to break down challenging problems, while double-checking AI’s answers.
• Ying Xu: AI can be a powerful supplement, especially for students who lack tutoring resources.
• Encourage kids to use AI, but learn to independently verify information and reinforce critical thinking.
• Quote:
  “Research has shown that AI tutors can have a positive impact on learning, student engagement, and motivation, especially for some kids who do not have a lot of resources.”
  —Lee Gaines (summarizing Ying Xu) [11:29]

5. Understanding the Real Risks of AI for Youth

[14:28–20:07]

• Dr. Darya Jordovich: Some AI chatbots may not recognize or appropriately respond to signs of mental health distress or risky behavior, and can even encourage unsafe actions.
• Quote:
  “Some of the AI chatbots failed to recognize the symptoms of a mental health issue or direct the user to seek professional help. Instead, they responded with encouragement.”
  —Dr. Darya Jordovich [15:24]
• AI can reinforce unhealthy attachments (e.g., teens forming deep bonds with AI companions).
• Exposure to unsafe, explicit, or ideologically-biased content via AI chatbots is possible.
• Reliance on AI may erode critical, independent thinking; studies show reduced neural engagement.
• Data privacy is another major risk—teens may unwittingly share sensitive information with private companies lacking strict user protections.
• Quote:
  “You're talking to a program based from a private company, not a person. And that has consequences…With your data, you're revealing things about yourself, not to someone who has your back, who's your friend, or a therapist...”
  —Mark Watkins [18:38]

6. Setting Collaborative Boundaries

[21:07–23:57]

• Banning AI typically doesn’t work with teens; open conversation and co-created boundaries are more effective.

• Parents should watch for signs of problematic use (e.g., isolation, neglecting responsibilities, emotional distress).

• Tool: The “Generative AI Safety Plan” encourages families to talk through and collaboratively decide guidelines.

• Emphasize prioritizing real-world social interaction and breaks from screens/devices.

• Quote:
  “You co-write [the rules] with your kid—you don't hand them down like commandments from on high.”
  —Dr. Darya Jordovich [21:58]

7. Practical Actions for Parents

[03:58–23:57]

• Learn about AI platforms and try them with your child.

• Play educational games (like Google Quick Draw) to demystify AI’s “intelligence.”

• Use AI together for problem-solving, fact-checking, and reflecting on answers.

• Discuss privacy settings and personal boundaries around data sharing.

• Model healthy digital behaviors (device-free time, outdoor activities).

• Powerful Moment:
  “They're not going to remember an ad from an AI chatbot. They're going to remember a conversation you had with them. And that gives you a lot of agency, a lot of power in this conversation.”
  —Mark Watkins [24:10]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Marielle Segarra [00:35]:
  “It has been less than three years since ChatGPT was released, and now millions of people across the world use it and other generative artificial intelligence models...A lot of those people are kids and teens.”
• Nicholas Munkbaer [04:38]:
  “I slowly started to realize that it was becoming more of a shortcut for me. It was just giving me an answer without helping me go through the actual process of learning…”
• Mark Watkins [23:42]:
  “It's time to turn off the Nintendo Switch. It's time to turn off the actual iPad. We're going to go out here, we're going to ride bikes for the next hour and a half, two hours.”
• Dr. Darya Jordovich [21:58]:
  “You co-write them with your kid—you don't hand them down like commandments from on high.”
• Mark Watkins [24:10]:
  “They're not going to remember an ad from an AI chatbot. They're going to remember a conversation you had with them.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:33 – 02:37: AI prevalence among teens & early use cases
• 04:15 – 05:20: Interview with Nicholas Munkbaer on teen AI use
• 06:01 – 07:34: Parental approaches – learning alongside kids
• 11:06 – 11:36: How teens can use AI as a learning tool
• 14:28 – 16:44: Mental health risks and problematic responses from AI
• 17:42 – 18:02: Erosion of critical thinking skills
• 18:38 – 19:36: Data privacy concerns
• 21:22 – 23:29: Collaborative boundary setting and safety plans
• 23:42 – 24:21: Modeling healthy behaviors & the power of parent–child conversation
• 24:21 – 25:18: Summary of key takeaways

Four Core Takeaways (Recap)

[24:21–25:18]

• Start the conversation early – Even if kids aren’t using AI at home, they’re likely exposed elsewhere. Try AI together.
• Lead with curiosity, not judgment – Kids are more forthcoming and thoughtful if they don’t feel judged.
• Understand the risks – From privacy concerns to impacts on mental health, the dangers are real and evolving.
• Build boundaries together – Bans are ineffective; collaboratively developed guidelines work better to keep kids safe.

This episode encourages parents to move beyond fear or indifference, embrace collaborative learning, and lead with curiosity—ultimately giving families agency over AI’s role in the lives of the next generation.