An article from our NWCC CEO - Robert Ellis
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming part of everyday life, and our children are growing up in a world where technology can answer questions, create pictures, help with homework and even simulate a conversation with a friend.
For many parents, this raises an important question: How do we help our children benefit from new technology while keeping them safe, connected and confident in the real world?
Recent research from Australia's eSafety Commissioner highlights just how relevant this question has become. Its 2026 research found that 78% of surveyed Australian children aged 10–17 had used an AI assistant. [i] The research also identified concerns about children's experiences with AI, including inappropriate interactions and the sharing of personal information.
These findings remind us that conversations about online safety need to keep pace with the technology our children encounter.
“AI is changing the world our children are growing up in. Discover how curiosity, conversation and care can help children navigate new technology safely and confidently.”
Curiosity, conversation and care
AI can offer genuine benefits. Children may use it to explore an interest, generate ideas for a creative project or get help understanding a difficult topic. Used thoughtfully, it can support curiosity and learning.
But AI tools can also make mistakes, provide misleading information or respond in ways that are inappropriate for a child. Some tools are designed to feel like a companion, which can make it harder for children to distinguish between a computer-generated response and a trusted human relationship.
We don't need to understand every new app or have all the answers. What matters is keeping communication open and helping our children develop good judgement.
Here are three simple ways to start at home:
Be curious, not critical. Ask your child what AI tools they have heard about or tried. A calm and interested conversation makes it easier for them to share their experiences.
Talk about privacy and trust. Remind children not to share personal details, passwords, photographs or sensitive family information with AI tools. Encourage them to question what AI tells them and check important information with a trusted adult.
Keep human connection at the centre. Technology should complement, not replace, friendships, family conversations, outdoor play and time with people who know and care about them.
“Every child deserves to feel safe, valued and supported as they grow up in a changing world.”
Our role at NWCC
At NWCC, our CARING commitment means taking children's safety seriously, including their safety in digital spaces. Being CONNECTED means helping children build strong relationships with friends, families and trusted adults. And being HAPPY means creating opportunities for children to explore, play, learn and grow in confidence.
As parents and educators, we share the responsibility of helping children develop the confidence to ask questions, the judgement to recognise when something doesn't feel right, and the trust to seek help when they need it.
This week, why not ask your child: “Have you come across anything using AI? What do you think about it?” You may be surprised by what you learn.
The technology will continue to change. Our commitment to children will not: every child deserves to feel safe, valued and supported as they grow up in a changing world.
[i] The statistic cited above comes from the eSafety Commissioner’s August 2026 research report, Talking to machines: Children’s experiences with AI assistants and companions. The surveyed children were aged 10–17, so the findings are most directly relevant to NWCC’s older primary-school children