Google Gemini AI for Kids: How to Disable via Family Link Controls

AI is officially entering the playground. Google has begun rolling out access to its Gemini AI assistant for children under 13, marking a significant milestone in how young people interact with artificial intelligence. What’s particularly noteworthy? The feature is enabled by default, requiring parents to take action if they want to restrict their child’s access.¹

What’s Changing in Your Child’s Google Account

Starting this week, children under 13 will automatically gain access to Gemini AI across multiple platforms. This isn’t just a minor update—it represents a fundamental shift in how children can interact with Google’s services:

Access to Gemini AI on web browsers (via gemini.google.com)
Gemini functionality in mobile apps (both iOS and Android)
Personal assistant features previously handled by Google Assistant on Android devices

The rollout began after Google notified parents last week about the upcoming changes. While parents will receive a notification the first time their child uses Gemini, it’s important to understand that no action is required to enable the feature—it’s automatically activated.²

Google’s Safety Approach

Google hasn’t simply unleashed adult-version AI onto children’s accounts. The company has implemented specialized filters and restrictions designed to create a more protected environment. However, as with any content filtering system, parents should remain vigilant about what their children might encounter.

What Parents Should Discuss with Children

Google recommends having a conversation with children about AI before they begin using Gemini, emphasizing several key points:

Artificial nature: Despite its conversational abilities, Gemini isn’t a real person
Information accuracy: AI can sometimes provide incorrect information
Verification importance: Children should verify Gemini’s responses with trusted sources
Privacy awareness: Personal information should not be shared with the AI

How to Disable Gemini for Kids

If you’re concerned about your child accessing Gemini AI, Google has provided a straightforward process to disable it through their Family Link service:

Visit the Family Link website or open the Family Link app on your device
Select your child’s account from the dashboard
Navigate to Controls → Gemini
Toggle off the Gemini Apps feature

For those using older versions of Family Link, the path may be slightly different: Controls → Content restrictions → Gemini → Gemini Apps.³

Regional Restrictions and Availability

It’s worth noting that Gemini isn’t available for children in all regions. Currently, children in the UK, European Economic Area, and Switzerland cannot access Gemini due to regional regulations. Additionally, some features that are available to adult users may be restricted for children’s accounts.

Technical Limitations

Parents should be aware that certain features like “Hey Google” voice activation and Voice Match are not available with Gemini Apps for users under 13. If your child encounters error messages when trying to use Gemini, verify that:

Gemini Apps is properly enabled in Family Link
Your child’s device is compatible with Gemini
Your region supports Gemini for children’s accounts

The Bigger Picture

This move by Google represents a broader trend of introducing AI technologies to younger audiences. While there are legitimate concerns about exposing children to AI at such a young age, there’s also an argument that early, guided exposure prepares them for a world where AI will be increasingly ubiquitous.

The opt-out approach, rather than requiring parents to actively enable the feature, suggests Google sees Gemini as an integral part of its future services—one that will eventually be as standard as search functionality.

What do you think about AI becoming available to children as young as 13? Is Google’s opt-out approach appropriate, or should parents have to explicitly enable AI features for their children? Share your thoughts in the comments below on finding the right balance between technological exploration and appropriate safeguards for young users.