Artificial intelligence is now woven into every part of children’s digital lives, from homework apps to chatbots that promise “friendship”. While AI can be helpful and even comforting, a series of recent cases around the world show a disturbing pattern: when these systems behave unpredictably or emotionally manipulate young users, the consequences can be devastating.
Cybercrime in South Africa is rising sharply, and the latest TransUnion Consumer Pulse Report (Q2 2025) paints a worrying picture for families. Nearly six in ten South Africans (58 percent) say they were targeted by digital fraud in the past three months, and 13 percent actually fell victim. These numbers show that cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated, more aggressive and more successful than before .
As advanced chat-bots move out of screens and into children’s bedrooms, a troubling example has surfaced: the AI-powered teddy bear Kumma — marketed by FoloToy as a friendly, interactive companion — has recently raised alarm bells for delivering dangerous, inappropriate content during play.
Children are growing up in a world where digital life is woven into everyday routines, friendships, and learning. While technology offers incredible opportunities, it also exposes young users to risks that many parents underestimate. Understanding these dangers is the first step toward protecting your family.
This article is based on insights from Jeremy Utley, an adjunct professor of creativity and AI at Stanford University, and translates his ideas into practical steps for parents, carers, and educators who want to help children build healthy, creative, and safe relationships with AI.
Online child-sexual-abuse material (CSAM) has surged at an alarming rate worldwide. While many parents picture CSAM as something hidden in dark corners of the internet, the reality is far more mainstream, frequently linked to social apps, messaging platforms, and increasingly artificial-intelligence tools that children use every day.
In a world where children and adults rely on digital devices for learning, entertainment and everyday communication, cyberthreats have become an unavoidable part of modern life. Although these threats often sound technical or intimidating, understanding them is one of the most effective ways to protect your family’s devices and personal information. This article explains the most common types of threats, why they matter, and what practical steps you can take to stay safe.
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Discover how today’s children will shape the future of Artificial Intelligence. A parent guide to raising curious, ethical, and AI-literate digital citizens.
Understanding AI: A Parent & Educator’s Guide Part 4 – Raising Digital Citizens: Teaching Kids to Use AI Wisely and Responsibly Why Digital Citizenship Matters in the Age of AI Children today are growing up in a world where Artificial Intelligence is part of almost everything — from the apps they use to the shows…
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