Is Adobe Firefly Safe for Kids?

From education to entertainment, there is no denying that technology has made a significant impact on how we live and learn. One innovation is Adobe’s Firefly AI, the artificial intelligence tool used within Photoshop and Adobe Express.

Read on to learn more about Firefly and its accompanying risks. 

What is Adobe Firefly?

Firefly is an AI-powered text-to-image generator for Adobe users that generates unique images from written prompts. It’s designed to seamlessly integrate with Photoshop and other tools in Adobe, meaning that it’s not a standalone tool — it cannot function outside of Adobe Creative Suite.

Adobe’s website proudly declares, “Firefly is the natural extension of the technology Adobe has produced over the past 40 years, driven by the belief that people should be empowered to bring their ideas into the world precisely as they imagine them.”

Adobe Firefly claims to be ethical due to its usage of Adobe Stock images to train the AI, rather than the unauthorized use of artists’ work. 

Adobe Firefly differs from other AI bots in its function. It’s meant to create images for a specific purpose on a specific project. For example, using its generative AI features, Adobe Firefly can fill in the missing background on a cropped photo. 

Adobe Services Free for Kids

Because of its user-friendly interface and helpful editing tools, Firefly has gained immense popularity among schools and students across the globe. Adobe has even partnered with a number of states to give students and educators free access to Adobe products, including Firefly. Tacy Trowbridge, Adobe’s head of global education programs, estimates that 12 million educators and students use Adobe Creative Cloud.

With access to Adobe Creative Cloud, students can design yearbooks, school newspapers, digital projects, and more, all powered by Firefly. For kids, this user-friendly process of converting everyday language into images can be both exciting and educational as they experiment with different prompts and see extraordinary results.

However, as with any technology, there are risks associated with the use of Firefly. Let’s dig into the use of AI for kids in general, and the role Firefly plays in education and development. 

AI for Kids

The use of artificial intelligence has opened up endless possibilities for kids. Apart from being a fun tool for creative expression, AI also has many practical applications in education. For instance, some schools have started using AI-powered writing assistants to help students improve their writing skills. These tools analyze a student’s writing and provide feedback and suggestions for improvement.

Similarly, AI-powered math programs can adapt to a child’s learning pace and provide personalized lessons, making it easier for them to grasp difficult concepts. The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to using AI in education, and Firefly AI is just one example of its potential.

Is Adobe Firefly Safe for Kids?

Yes, Firefly is relatively safe for kids because Adobe’s terms of service prohibit users from generating explicit content through their AI tool.

When Firefly image models sense that inappropriate or violent images have been generated, the content is removed with a message saying, “The generated images were removed because they violate user guidelines.” Luckily, reports seem to indicate that most if not all inappropriate images are filtered out before they reach the eyes of children. 

Additionally, Adobe has also implemented guardrails in the form of content filters and age-appropriate prompts to further ensure the safety of young users. Restricted content includes, but is not limited to: 

1. Pornographic material or explicit nudity
2. Hateful or highly offensive content that attacks or dehumanizes a group based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, serious disease or disability, gender, age, or sexual orientation
3. Graphic violence or gore
4. The promotion, glorification, or threats of violence
5. Illegal activities or goods
6. Self-harm or the promotion of self-harm
7. Depictions of nude minors or minors in a sexual manner
8. Promotion of terrorism or violent extremism
9. Dissemination of misleading, fraudulent, or deceptive content that could lead to real-world harm
10. Private information of others

These content filters are so good, in fact, that they can even exclude innocuous prompts for being inappropriate. For example, Adobe may restrict a prompt like “create an illustration of a chicken breast” because of the word breast, not sensing the innocence of the prompt. 

It may put parents at ease to know that Adobe seems to be erring on the side of caution.

How Parents Can Help Kids Use Firefly AI Safely

While Adobe has put in place stringent measures to make Firefly AI safe for kids, it is essential for parents and educators to educate children on responsible usage. Below are a few tips that can help kids use Firefly AI safely.

Have an open conversation

Talk to your child about the potential risks of using technology and how they can stay safe while using it. Encourage them to come to you if they ever come across inappropriate content.

Set boundaries

Set clear guidelines for when and how long your child can use Firefly AI. It’s also essential to supervise their usage and make sure they are staying within appropriate boundaries.

Stay informed

Keep yourself updated on the latest features and safety measures implemented by Adobe for Firefly AI. This will help you guide your child better and address any concerns they may have.

Moving Forward

Firefly AI is a powerful tool that can ignite creativity and enhance learning for kids. However, it’s vital that kids learn how to use technology responsibly. They need to learn to use tech as a tool, and not as a consumer of their time, energy, and mental wellbeing. 

While AI tools like Firefly are great for helping kids get their creative juices flowing, kids also need to learn how to manage their time and energy responsibly. Kids can take tech in steps by receiving adult guidance with tools like Firefly and starting with kid-safe devices when they’re ready for a phone or smartwatch. 

What do you think about AI tools like Firefly? Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments!