AI for Kids

Send us Fan MailThis week, Amber sits down with digital producer and internet culture veteran Matt Silverman for a real talk about algorithms, slop, screen addiction, and why being a little bit skeptical online might be the most important skill a kid can have right now.Matt has spent decades covering how the internet works — and more importantly, how it works on us. He breaks it all down in a way that actually makes sense, whether you're 10 or your parent is 45.In this episode:Why the internet shifted from connecting people to feeding you content, and who profits from thatWhat "digital literacy" actually means (hint: it's three questions)The difference between harmless scrolling and content engineered to manipulate youWhat AI-generated "slop" is and why it's getting harder to spotWhy being bored might actually be good for your brainThe screen-free comedy podcast made 100% by humans, for kidsThe 3 questions to ask before you like, share, or believe anything online:Who made this?Why did they make it?Why is this platform showing it to me?Check out this week's newsletter on Tuesday for a screen-free activity that relates to these three questions.Links & Resources Mentioned:Matt SilvermanTales from the Cloud Sea: The completely improvised, screen-free comedy adventure podcast for kids.Locket: The low-key, non-algorithmic photo-sharing app Matt recommends as a healthier social option for kids. Support the showHey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter: https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids and best AI podcast for kids, parents, teachers, and families.Buy our debut book “AI… Meets… AI”Social Media & Contact: Website: www.aidigitales.comEmail: contact@aidigitales.comFollow Us: Instagram, YouTubeBooks on Amazon or Free AI WorksheetsListen, rate, and subscribe! Apple PodcastsAmazon MusicSpotifyYouTubeOtherLike our conten...

Send us Fan MailAI can feel like a mind that knows you, agrees with you, and never gets tired, which is exactly why we need to talk about how it shows up in real life. I’m joined by Dr. Tiffany Petricini , who studies AI and relationships, and Dr. Sarah Zipf, who researches technology in education, to unpack what kids actually need to know about AI beyond the hype and scary movie plots.We get into why technology is never neutral, why there are always benefits and disadvantages, and why schools should start with one grounding question before adopting any AI tool: what is it for? We also challenge a big myth about “digital natives.” Being great on a phone does not automatically mean strong computer literacy, and that gap matters when AI tools enter the classroom. Along the way, we talk AI literacy for kids, digital citizenship, and how families can ask better questions instead of letting fear make decisions for them.Then we tackle AI chatbots and AI friends head-on. AI can sound comforting because it responds instantly and tells you what you want to hear, but it cannot be a real friend, and it cannot replace trusted adults or real peers. We break down why “AI is math” helps demystify what’s happening, how bias can sneak into AI outputs, and how play-based learning (like cooking recipes and hands-on games about algorithms) can teach big ideas without adding more screen time.If this conversation helps your family, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review so more parents and kids can find it. What is one rule you think every household should have for using AI? Support the showHey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter: https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids and best AI podcast for kids, parents, teachers, and families.Buy our debut book “AI… Meets… AI”Social Media & Contact: Website: www.aidigitales.comEmail: contact@aidigitales.comFollow Us: Instagram, YouTubeBooks on Amazon or Free AI WorksheetsListen, rate, and subscribe! Apple PodcastsAmazon MusicSpotifyYouTubeOtherLike our conten...

Send us Fan MailA kids’ video can be bright, catchy, and totally wrong. We’re seeing more AI-generated videos for kids show up on YouTube and tablets, and some of them slip mistakes into the middle where a quick parent check might miss it. That matters because “small” errors can teach unsafe ideas, confuse real-world rules, and spread misinformation while looking like normal cartoons and sing-alongs.We break down what’s going on in plain language: how AI can create videos fast, why some creators push quantity over quality, and why automated content moderation does not always catch problems in time. If you’ve been wondering about YouTube Kids safety, parental controls, or how to build media literacy for kids, this conversation gives you a clear starting point. We also share a simple example of how a video can teach the opposite of a basic safety lesson, even though everything looks friendly on the surface.Most important, we talk directly to kids about a real superpower: noticing when something feels off. Weird movement, odd voices, sentences that don’t make sense, or a lesson that clashes with real life are all signals to pause, pick something else, and tell a trusted adult. That one habit supports digital safety and critical thinking in a world filled with AI-generated content.If this helps your family, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or on YouTube, share the episode with a parent or teacher, and leave a review so more people can learn how to spot these videos faster. What’s the strangest “kids” video you’ve ever seen?Support the showHey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter: https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids and best AI podcast for kids, parents, teachers, and families.Buy our debut book “AI… Meets… AI”Social Media & Contact: Website: www.aidigitales.comEmail: contact@aidigitales.comFollow Us: Instagram, YouTubeBooks on Amazon or Free AI WorksheetsListen, rate, and subscribe! Apple PodcastsAmazon MusicSpotifyYouTubeOtherLike our conten...

Send us Fan MailAI can do homework-level tasks in seconds, which is exactly why so many parents and teachers feel uneasy. After a short break, we’re back with a solo check-in that tackles the question showing up all over parent message boards: how much AI is too much for kids, and what does “healthy” AI use actually look like when school and screens are already competing for attention?We dig into a concept called cognitive offloading, where we hand our thinking over to a machine and slowly lose the mental “muscle” that comes from struggling through a hard problem. I use a simple analogy: AI can either be autopilot, where the tool flies the plane and the learner checks out, or it can be a copilot, where your child stays in control and the AI supports with directions, hints, and explanations. That difference matters for learning, writing, and long-term critical thinking.You’ll leave with three practical rules you can use right away at home or in the classroom: try first and use AI second, prompt for tutoring instead of asking the bot to do the work, and always fact-check because large language models can hallucinate. We also talk about why this isn’t just a kids issue, how adults can slide into the same habits, and why the best approach is sitting alongside kids to build real AI literacy without giving up curiosity or creativity.Subscribe for more parent-friendly AI guidance, share the show with a friend, and leave a review so more families can find it. What’s one boundary you want to set for AI use this week?Solo check-in from AI for Kids for parents & teachers: AI can do homework-level tasks in seconds, and that’s raising questions about over-reliance. This episode explains why that matters and gives 3 practical rules to keep kids’ thinking strong while using AI, at home or school. Clear, screen-friendly guidance for kids (ages 4–12) and the adults who support them.Support the showHey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter: https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids and best AI podcast for kids, parents, teachers, and families.Buy our debut book “AI… Meets… AI”Social Media & Contact: Website: www.aidigitales.comEmail: contact@aidigitales.comFollow Us: Instagram, YouTubeBooks on Amazon or Free AI WorksheetsListen, rate, and subscribe! Apple PodcastsAmazon MusicSpotifyYouTubeOtherLike our conten...

Send us Fan MailCheck out this replay episode for kids and parents interested in AI support with storytime.What if a child could open a book and see their own name, face, and dreams driving the plot forward, then watch that same story come to life on screen? We sit down with Brian Carlson, CEO and co‑founder of Storytime AI, to explore how personalized stories and videos can turn reluctant readers into eager creators. From short, high‑interest tales to full‑length novels, Brian shows how identity and representation fuel motivation and why putting kids at the center of the page unlocks deeper comprehension and joy.We trace Brian’s journey from math‑obsessed student to educator in the South Pacific to founder building tools across 70 languages. Along the way, we weigh the promise and the pitfalls: early exposure to AI can empower the next generation of builders and problem solvers, but only if we protect critical thinking, writing, and judgment. Brian shares a simple rule of thumb, treat AI as a scaffold, not a substitute, to kids learn story structure, iterate with feedback, and develop their own voice.Then we look ahead. Text‑to‑video is maturing fast, and Storytime AI is preparing for a near future where kids can say “make a movie about us in Stuttgart” and watch the scene unfold, complete with read‑along captions. We talk practical equity too: AI‑supported tutoring can level access, giving every learner targeted practice, custom quizzes, and timely nudges while teachers guide the human side of growth. And for creators worried about losing originality, we explore how democratized tools echo vibrant fan‑fiction communities, expanding who gets to tell stories, not replacing the craft of storytelling.Curious to try it? Brian set up a listener perk: use code AIDIGI in Storytime AI for 10 free stories. This code may or may not work due to the replay. If this conversation sparked ideas, subscribe, rate the show, and share it with a friend who cares about reading, learning, and the future of AI for kids. Support the showHey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter: https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids and best AI podcast for kids, parents, teachers, and families.Buy our debut book “AI… Meets… AI”Social Media & Contact: Website: www.aidigitales.comEmail: contact@aidigitales.comFollow Us: Instagram, YouTubeBooks on Amazon or Free AI WorksheetsListen, rate, and subscribe! Apple PodcastsAmazon MusicSpotifyYouTubeOtherLike our conten...

Send us Fan MailCheck out this replay episode for kids and parents interested in cyber security.Curious about how artificial intelligence shapes our daily lives? Join us as we chat with Tennisha Martin, the visionary founder of Black Girls Hack, who shares her journey from a tech-savvy childhood to leading a nonprofit that empowers underrepresented communities through cybersecurity and technology. Discover the thrill of breaking and testing software for security purposes, and learn how AI, from predictive text to smart home devices, is seamlessly woven into our routines. Tennisha explains AI concepts in ways kids can grasp, emphasizing why it's crucial to understand AI's benefits and potential risks for safety and security.Ever wondered about the ethical implications of AI misuse? We explore these challenges, especially how AI-generated code can be exploited, and discuss Tennisha's motivations behind establishing Black Girls Hack. Learn about the organization's hands-on training and support, and get inspired by the empowering environment of cybersecurity conferences like Hack for Summer Camp and SquadCon. We wrap up with a fun game of Two Truths and a Dream, sharing personal anecdotes and practical advice for young tech enthusiasts. This episode is a treasure trove of insights and tips for anyone keen on venturing into the world of technology and cybersecurity.Resources:BlackGirlsHack - Our cornerstone brand advocating to increase diversity of Black girls and women within Cyber https://blackgirlshack.org/We Got Next Cyber - 9th through 12th grade training program wegotnextcyber.comSquadCon/ Girls Hack Village - Girls Hack Village has a cybersecurity conference that provided a gender-diverse platform for women and girls in cybersecurity squadcon.meHacking Events - BlackGirlsHack - Events Support the showHey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter: https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids and best AI podcast for kids, parents, teachers, and families.Buy our debut book “AI… Meets… AI”Social Media & Contact: Website: www.aidigitales.comEmail: contact@aidigitales.comFollow Us: Instagram, YouTubeBooks on Amazon or Free AI WorksheetsListen, rate, and subscribe! Apple PodcastsAmazon MusicSpotifyYouTubeOtherLike our conten...

Send us Fan MailIn this replay we revisit our episode with the one and only Phil Rogofsky. Is STEM only for scientists and engineers? Join us as we unravel this myth with our special guest, Phil Rogofsky, the visionary behind the Maryland STEM Festival (October 18th to November 17th). Phil’s journey into the world of STEM started with childhood dreams inspired by the Apollo program and Jacques Cousteau, coupled with his parents' influence. He passionately shares how these early experiences shaped his belief that STEM is for everyone, not just a select few, and how this belief fueled the creation of a festival aimed at making STEM accessible and engaging for all.Explore the innovative spirit of the Maryland STEM Festival, which ensures a variety of events within 30 minutes of every resident. Phil recounts the festival's humble beginnings, sparked by a visit to the USA Science and Engineering Festival, and its evolution into a statewide initiative that connects the public with the STEM community. From musical performances to nature walks, the festival offers family-friendly activities that ignite interest in STEM among children and adults. You'll be inspired by stories of meaningful collaborations and the festival's goal of fostering a curious and enthusiastic community.Engage in a fun Tech Trivia game as we discuss the origins of STEM and the invention of the computer. Phil reflects on standout moments like the Sports and STEM event at Morgan State and the Middle School STEM Professional Match program, showcasing how STEM is woven into everyday life—from IT auditing at the Social Security Administration to the science behind sports. Discover practical ways for kids to engage in STEM, emphasizing its critical role in preparing them for a future filled with endless possibilities. Support the showHey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter: https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids and best AI podcast for kids, parents, teachers, and families.Buy our debut book “AI… Meets… AI”Social Media & Contact: Website: www.aidigitales.comEmail: contact@aidigitales.comFollow Us: Instagram, YouTubeBooks on Amazon or Free AI WorksheetsListen, rate, and subscribe! Apple PodcastsAmazon MusicSpotifyYouTubeOtherLike our conten...

Send us Fan MailThis week, we’re sharing a fan-favorite replay, an episode that ranks in the top ten of our all-time most listened-to episodes. In this week's replay episode we unlock the secrets of building adaptive, personalized robots with Dr. Randi Williams, a leading figure in AI and robotics, as she shares her journey from a math-obsessed child inspired by Jimmy Neutron to a pioneering expert aiming to make technology fairer and more inclusive. Dr. Williams takes us behind the scenes of her work at the Algorithmic Justice League (AJL), discussing the triumphs and challenges of creating robots that can truly engage with humans. Through the lens of projects like PopBots, you’ll discover how even preschoolers can grasp foundational AI concepts and start innovating from an early age. Hear the inspiring story of a young learner who programmed a multilingual robot, and explore the engaging tools and platforms like MIT’s Playground that make learning AI fun and accessible. Finally, we tackle the crucial issue of algorithmic bias and the importance of diverse data sets in AI training. This episode underscores how creativity and a passion for learning can drive meaningful advancements in AI and robotics.  Resources for parents and kids:Preschool-Oriented Programming (POP) Platform PopBotsPlayground Raise MITDay of AITuring Test GameUnmasking AICoded BiasPersonal Robots GroupScratchNational Coding Week Support the showHey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter: https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids and best AI podcast for kids, parents, teachers, and families.Buy our debut book “AI… Meets… AI”Social Media & Contact: Website: www.aidigitales.comEmail: contact@aidigitales.comFollow Us: Instagram, YouTubeBooks on Amazon or Free AI WorksheetsListen, rate, and subscribe! Apple PodcastsAmazon MusicSpotifyYouTubeOtherLike our conten...

Send us Fan MailA single question from a four-year-old, “What is data?”, sparked a four-year journey that turned everyday moments into a blueprint for teaching kids the foundations of AI. We sit down with Chandra Donelson, chief data and AI officer, Air Force reservist, and author of The Data Detective series, to show how data literacy starts at home with simple habits that build real confidence.Chandra shares the carnival breakthrough that helped her son grasp quantitative and qualitative data by counting people in ride lines and noticing details in the world around him. We unpack how she tested each draft by asking her son to explain concepts back, if a five-year-old couldn’t re-teach it, it didn’t make the cut. She walks us through translating artful curiosity into STEAM, the value of slow, intentional creation even as AI tools speed up publishing, and why her newest book, The Data Detective at the Airport, weaves real family scenes and snapshots into the story.We also dig into practical, parent-friendly routines that turn life into a data lab: checking the weekly forecast to plan outfits, budgeting toward a VR headset, and cooking with measurements to build intuition for patterns and predictions. Chandra ties these skills to math fundamentals and explains why data is the true foundation beneath AI, no clean data, no trustworthy intelligence. Her career arc from military intelligence to data leadership highlights the power of raising your hand, finding mentors, and building community through Women in Data, where representation and support open doors for the next generation.Resources:The Data Detective at the CarnivalThe Data Detective at the Airport Support the showHey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter: https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids and best AI podcast for kids, parents, teachers, and families.Buy our debut book “AI… Meets… AI”Social Media & Contact: Website: www.aidigitales.comEmail: contact@aidigitales.comFollow Us: Instagram, YouTubeBooks on Amazon or Free AI WorksheetsListen, rate, and subscribe! Apple PodcastsAmazon MusicSpotifyYouTubeOtherLike our conten...

Send us Fan MailA video looks real, the voice sounds familiar, but something feels off. That gut check matters, and we turn it into a simple habit kids can use every day: pause, check, ask. We break down deepfakes in plain language, show how AI learns to mimic faces and voices, and teach a family-friendly game that trains kids to spot tricks without fear or extra screen time.We start by explaining what deepfakes are and how pattern-learning lets AI copy smiles, speech, and movement. From there, we introduce Real, Trick, or Check—a quick activity any grown-up can run in the car, at home, or in class. Kids learn to look for practical red flags: videos that only exist on social feeds, clips that rush or scare, lips that don’t match words, flat robotic audio, super short edits, and sketchy new accounts. The goal isn’t to catch every fake with one clue; it’s to slow down and verify with a trusted adult before reacting or sharing.Safety is stronger when families protect what AI can learn. We offer clear steps: post sparingly, lock down privacy settings, avoid untrusted sites, and be careful when texting photos or voice notes. We also cover what to do if a fake targets your child: you did nothing wrong, tell a trusted adult, save evidence, and report it. To stop impostors who use cloned voices, we share our favorite tool, a private code word that only you, your kids, and your classroom know. If a message can’t provide it, stop and verify through a known channel.By the end, your family has a shared language for staying calm and curious around AI: protect your pictures and your voice, practice the game, and keep the code word handy. If something feels wrong, talk to a trusted adult right away. Enjoy the episode, then subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review to help more families build smart tech habits.Support the showHey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter: https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids and best AI podcast for kids, parents, teachers, and families.Buy our debut book “AI… Meets… AI”Social Media & Contact: Website: www.aidigitales.comEmail: contact@aidigitales.comFollow Us: Instagram, YouTubeBooks on Amazon or Free AI WorksheetsListen, rate, and subscribe! Apple PodcastsAmazon MusicSpotifyYouTubeOtherLike our conten...