New AI Safety Guidelines Aim to Shield Kids Online—Will They Work?

Millions of children log on every day, facing a flood of AI-powered content, recommendations, and even surveillance. Now, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has released a set of safety guidelines—the “Trusted Safety Formula”—meant to shield kids from online AI risks. But as tech giants and schools weigh whether to adopt these voluntary standards, parents and teachers are left asking: will these new rules make a real difference for our kids?

What Happened

On October 14, 2026, the IEEE, a global standards organization, announced its “Responsible AI for Children” guidelines. The initiative comes as concerns mount over how artificial intelligence shapes young people’s online experiences—from personalized content feeds to automated moderation and surveillance tools used in schools. The IEEE’s formula sets out principles for transparency, accountability, and age-appropriate design, aiming to reduce risks like exposure to harmful content, manipulation, and privacy violations.

Unlike laws such as the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in the U.S. or the EU’s Digital Services Act, the IEEE’s guidelines are not legally binding. Instead, they offer a framework for tech companies, app developers, and educational institutions to voluntarily adopt safer AI practices for children. The big question: will industry leaders like Meta, Google, or TikTok actually implement these standards, or will they remain just another set of recommendations?

How This Affects Everyday People

For parents, teachers, and students, the stakes are personal. Kids are spending more time online than ever—according to Common Sense Media, U.S. children aged 8-12 now average over 5 hours of screen time per day, much of it shaped by AI-powered algorithms. These algorithms decide what videos kids see, what ads they’re served, and, increasingly, what information they’re exposed to in educational settings.

The risks aren’t just theoretical. In recent years, there have been real-world incidents of AI chatbots giving inappropriate advice to minors, automated moderation systems failing to filter out harmful content, and surveillance tools in schools tracking students’ emotions or flagging them for discipline based on opaque algorithms. The IEEE’s guidelines aim to address these issues by demanding clearer explanations of how AI works, stronger privacy protections, and better oversight of automated systems.

But until these standards are widely adopted, parents and teachers are left to navigate a confusing landscape. Many families already struggle to understand what data is being collected about their children, or how to set effective limits on screen time and online interactions. For more on practical steps, see our guide to keeping kids safe from AI.

The Bigger Picture

The IEEE’s move is part of a wider push to rein in how technology affects children. In 2023, the European Union’s Digital Services Act began requiring major platforms to assess and mitigate risks to minors, while California’s Age-Appropriate Design Code Act set stricter privacy rules for kids’ data. Yet, enforcement remains inconsistent, and tech companies often find loopholes or delay compliance.

Meanwhile, the rapid spread of generative AI tools—like chatbots and image generators—has made it even harder for parents and educators to keep up. A 2025 study by the Pew Research Center found that 64% of U.S. parents felt “not at all confident” in their ability to manage their children’s AI exposure. And while some schools have started teaching digital literacy and critical thinking, many lack clear policies for safe AI use.

For families wondering what skills their kids will need to thrive in this new landscape, our resource on what skills kids need for the future offers practical advice.

What You Can Do

• Ask your child’s school about their AI policies. Find out if they use AI tools for monitoring, grading, or discipline, and what safeguards are in place.
• Review privacy settings and parental controls. Regularly check the apps and platforms your child uses. Adjust privacy settings and use parental controls to limit data collection and exposure to risky content. Our AI safety guide for parents can help.
• Talk to your kids about AI. Explain in simple terms how algorithms work, why some content is recommended, and how to spot manipulative or unsafe interactions online.
• Limit screen time and encourage offline activities. AI-driven platforms are designed to maximize engagement. Setting boundaries around device use can help protect your child’s attention and well-being. See our resource on AI and screen time for kids.
• Advocate for stronger protections. Contact your local school board or lawmakers to ask what steps they’re taking to protect children from AI risks. Demand transparency from tech companies about how their algorithms affect young users.

The Bottom Line

The IEEE’s new “Trusted Safety Formula” is a step toward making AI safer for children, but its real-world impact depends on whether tech companies and schools take these guidelines seriously. Until then, parents and teachers remain the first—and sometimes only—line of defense. Staying informed, asking questions, and pushing for accountability are crucial as AI becomes an ever-larger part of our kids’ lives.