Is HuggingChat Safe for Kids?

Trying to keep up with all the AI apps or tools your kid might be using can feel overwhelming, but we’ve got you covered.

Our full list of AI tools for parents to know about will do most of the heavy lifting for you.

This article provides an overview on just one of these novel AI tools: HuggingChat.

What is HuggingChat?

HuggingChat is a generative AI chatbot that can write text for essays, summarize long passages of text, generate trivia questions, edit and create code, and answer myriad other prompts. 

HuggingChat, owned by HuggingFace, sets itself apart from other AI chatbots like ChatGPT by operating on an open AI model. As opposed to other chatbots that allegedly pull their information off the internet regardless of copyright or ownership, HuggingChat trains its AI with resources that an artist or author consents to share. HuggingChat gets direct permission from an author before using their work to train AI and thus claims to be a safe source for editorial and scholarly use. 

It’s also free to use, doesn’t require the creation of an account, and doesn’t track and store data. 

HuggingChat Cheating Concerns

HuggingChat is commonly used as a homework-help app. With its AI-powered technology, the app claims to provide instant answers and explanations to any academic question.

With the ease of access to instant answers, many worry that students may use HuggingChat to cheat on their homework or exams. The app’s AI technology is constantly learning and updating its database with new information, making it easier for students to get accurate answers without putting in much effort.

As is the case with other AI chatbots, educators argue that students are not truly learning the material and are simply relying on quick fixes instead of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This could potentially impact their academic performance and hinder their overall learning experience.

Is HuggingChat Safe for Kids?

HuggingChat offers benefits to kids but there are some concerns to be aware of, primarily in the form of misuse of the app for cheating on homework as well as the potential for exposure to inappropriate content.

The safety of HuggingChat, or any homework-help app, largely depends on how it is used. If used responsibly, HuggingChat can be a great tool for students to improve their understanding of school material and complete their homework more efficiently.

If misused, HuggingChat can have negative consequences such as promoting cheating and hindering learning — when kids rely too much on these tools to do homework, they’re not going to be able to learn the material like they need to pass tests and classes. It is important for parents and educators to monitor how students are using these apps and have open discussions about responsible use.

As far as explicit and violent content, HuggingChat only discourages content that depicts child sexual abuse content, content that glorifies violence, and any content that depicts non-consensual sex. Any other content, it appears, is free game on the platform.

What Parents Can Do: Parenting with AI

As a parent, it’s understandable to have concerns about the use of AI chatbots like HuggingChat, but there are other proactive steps you can take to protect your child as they use these tools.

Have open discussions

Talk to your child about the importance of using such apps responsibly and the potential consequences of misusing them.

Monitor usage

Keep an eye on how often your child is using the app and for what purposes. If you notice any concerning patterns, address them immediately.

Encourage critical thinking 

Instead of relying solely on HuggingChat for answers, encourage your child to use it as a tool to better understand the material and develop their critical thinking skills.

Set rules and boundaries

Consider setting time limits or specific guidelines for when and how your child can use these apps.

Keeping Children Safe

HuggingChat may be a helpful tool for students struggling with their homework, but it’s important to have open discussions and set boundaries to ensure responsible use. As long as it is used ethically and responsibly, HuggingChat can be a valuable asset in a student’s academic journey.

However, kids may stumble across inappropriate, explicit, and violent content while using AI chatbots like HuggingChat. To aid in a safe transition into the digital world, parents may consider devices that don’t allow internet access at all. Without access to open internet browsing, social media, and time-wasting apps, kids can prioritize education and extracurriculars that help rather than harm.

How do you handle AI in your home? What tips do you have for other parents? Let us know in the comments!

Author Morgan Dye

Morgan is a Gabb staff writer. She joined Gabb because she is dedicated to keeping children safe online. She loves watercolor and is an accomplished actress who can be found acting in her local theater productions.