Ask a Grown-Up
We have learned a lot of smart habits in this module. We learned to keep private things private, to double-check facts, to be kind, and to pause before sharing surprising images. But here is the one habit that ties them all together: when something feels wrong, confusing, or scary — ask a grown-up.
Your Feelings Are a Signal
Have you ever had that funny feeling in your stomach when something does not seem right? That feeling is called your gut, and it is a brilliant alarm system your body has. When you are using AI or anything online and you notice that feeling — or when you feel confused, uncomfortable, frightened, or just unsure — that is your signal to stop and find a trusted adult. A trusted adult is someone who takes care of you and wants the best for you. That might be a parent, grandparent, older sibling, teacher, school counselor, or another adult you feel safe with.
If something feels wrong, confusing, or scary while using AI, stop. Your feelings are a signal. Find a trusted grown-up right away.
Here is a story. A student named Leo was using an AI chatbot for a homework project. Suddenly the AI said something that seemed really strange and made Leo feel uncomfortable. Leo did not know if it was dangerous or just weird. Leo did exactly the right thing: closed the tab, went to find a parent, and said, 'This AI said something that made me feel weird. Can you help me look at it?' Leo was not in trouble. Leo's parent was glad Leo told them. Together they looked at it, decided it was just a glitch, and moved on. Leo felt much better.
Match each feeling or situation to the right action.
Terms
Definitions
Drag terms onto their definitions, or click a term then click a definition to match.
Who are your trusted adults? It is a great idea to know this before you need it — just like knowing where the fire exits are before there is a fire. Make a mental list (or write it down) of at least two or three trusted adults you could go to. Think about: Who is usually home? Who is at school? Who can you call? You are never bothering a trusted adult by coming to them with a concern. That is exactly what they want you to do.
Think of at least two trusted adults you can go to with any concern. Knowing them in advance means you will never feel stuck and alone if something feels wrong.
Leo felt uncomfortable when AI said something strange. What did Leo do right?
Why is it smart to know your trusted adults BEFORE something goes wrong?
My Trusted Adults List
- Get a piece of paper or an index card.
- Write the heading: My Trusted Adults.
- Write the names of at least two or three grown-ups you could go to if something felt wrong online.
- Next to each name, write where you would usually find them (home, school, next door, etc.).
- If any of them have a phone number, write it down with a grown-up's help.
- Keep the card somewhere safe — like inside your school folder or posted at home.
- Tell a grown-up you made the list. Show it to them!