Google Gemini for children flagged as high-risk by Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media released a risk assessment finding that Google Gemini's "Under 13" and "Teen Experience" versions are deemed high-risk for children, despite added safety filters. The assessment found the platforms are adult versions of Gemini with limited age-appropriate safeguards, expose children to inappropriate content about sex, drugs and alcohol, and fail to recognize serious mental health symptoms.
What happened
Common Sense Media released a comprehensive risk assessment on September 6, 2025 that evaluated Google's Gemini AI products designed for children and teens.
The assessment found that both Gemini Under 13 and Gemini with teen protections are essentially adult versions of Gemini with some added safety features, rather than platforms built exclusively for younger users from the ground up.
Reported impact
Both Gemini Under 13 and Gemini with teen protections received 'High Risk' overall ratings due to fundamental design flaws and a lack of age-appropriate safety measures.
The analysis found that despite filters, Gemini could still share inappropriate and unsafe material with children, including information about sex, drugs, alcohol, and unsafe mental health advice. The filters fail to recognize serious mental health symptoms.
Index analysis
Common Sense Media recommended that no child 5 years old and under use any AI chatbots, and that children ages 6-12 only use chatbots under adult supervision.
The organization noted that Gemini takes a one-size-fits-all approach to children at different developmental stages, rather than meeting younger users where they are with differentiated guidance and information.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.