Digital Safety for Families
AI creates new risks for families. Here's what you need to know—and what you can do about it.
The Reality
A realistic AI voice clone can now be created in 30 seconds to 2 minutes with just a short sample of speech. Your child could receive a call that sounds exactly like you.
AI Voice Cloning
The Threat
With just seconds of audio (from a social media video, voicemail, or phone call), AI can create a convincing clone of anyone's voice. Scammers are using this for "emergency" calls: "Mom, I'm in trouble, I need money now."
The Defense: Family Safe Word
Create a secret word or phrase that only your family knows. In any emergency call requesting money or action, ask for the safe word. If they can't provide it, hang up and call the person directly.
Deepfakes & Image Manipulation
The Threat
AI can create realistic fake images and videos of anyone. This is being used for bullying, extortion, and spreading misinformation. Teens are particularly vulnerable.
The Defense: Education Over Fear
Teach your kids that seeing is no longer believing. Show them examples of deepfakes. Make "verify before you trust" a family habit.
AI Literacy & Critical Thinking
The Foundation
The best defense is a child who questions everything appropriately. AI literacy isn't optional anymore—it's as essential as reading and math.
Key Skills
- • Understanding that AI can be wrong (and often is)
- • Knowing how to verify information from multiple sources
- • Recognizing when content might be AI-generated
- • Healthy skepticism without paranoia
Quick Reference: Family Safety Checklist
✓ Do This Now
- • Create a family safe word
- • Discuss deepfakes with your kids
- • Review social media privacy settings
- • Limit voice samples online
⚡ If Something Happens
- • Emergency call? Ask for safe word
- • Suspicious content? Don't share, report
- • Being targeted? Document everything
- • When in doubt, verify through known channels
Stay Informed
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