Can my child under 13 use Google Gemini?
In some countries, yes. Google lets parents turn on Gemini Apps for a child under 13 with a supervised Google account, using Family Link. It isn't available for supervised accounts in the UK, the EEA or Switzerland. Google says its filters are not perfect and recommends that parents explore Gemini together with their child.
Google Gemini is one of the few major AI assistants that offers access to children under 13, but only through a parent-managed account and only in some countries. According to Google's help page, Guide your child's Gemini Apps experience, a parent must enable access before a child under 13 can use Gemini Apps, and can switch it off again at any time in Family Link.
How it works
- Your child needs a supervised Google account, created and managed through the Family Link app.
- You turn Gemini on or off in Family Link. Google says it is releasing access gradually, so it may not appear for every child straight away.
- Some features are different for under-13s. For example, the Keep Activity setting isn't available to them, and Google says its filters for minors add protections such as stopping Gemini from claiming to be a person.
Where it isn't available
Google states that Gemini Apps are not available for supervised accounts in the European Economic Area, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. If you live there and your under-13 is using Gemini, they are probably on an account with an adult birth date, which means none of the child protections apply.
What Google itself tells parents
Google's help page is unusually candid. It says its filters "try to limit inappropriate content from appearing, but they're not perfect", so a child may still see things you wouldn't want them to. Its advice to parents:
- Explore Gemini with your child and supervise their use.
- Explain that Gemini is an AI app, not a person, and shouldn't be treated as a friend or told secrets.
- Tell your child not to share details like their address, school name or family information.
- Encourage them to double-check answers, because Gemini can present inaccurate information as fact.
- Report bad or wrong responses through feedback.
That is sound advice for any AI a child uses.
Should you switch it on?
Some questions to help you decide:
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| How old is your child? | A 6-year-old and an 11-year-old need very different levels of supervision. |
| Will you be nearby? | Google's own advice assumes you are. |
| What do they want it for? | Homework help, stories and curiosity questions each carry different risks. |
| Can you see what they asked? | Without visibility, you only hear about problems if your child tells you. |
If you do switch it on, start with shared sessions in a family room, agree what personal information stays private, and check in about anything confusing it said.
Alternatives built for children
A general assistant with a child mode is different from a product designed for children from the start. If you want something made for children on iOS, Android and the web, Askie is built for ages 4-15, adapts its answers to each child's age, and lets parents review conversation transcripts. Our Askie vs Gemini page compares the two, and what age kids can use ChatGPT covers the other big assistant.
A safe AI your child can talk to
Askie is a voice-first AI companion built for children, with answers adapted to your child's age and parental controls you set.