In partnership with

Your kid asks ChatGPT for help with homework. The answer sounds legit—but it’s off. Way off.

OpenAI’s newest model hallucinated false info 48% of the time. Khan Academy’s Khanmigo misjudged math problems. Google’s Gemini fumbled live demos. These tools speak with confidence—even when they’re totally wrong. [source]

And that’s risky if your teen assumes “sounding smart” means “being right.”

🌱 This is Future-Ready Parents—where we turn parenting worries into small, practical wins that build confident, tech-savvy kids (and calm, capable parents).

📌 WHAT TO EXPECT TODAY

TL;DR: Your teen doesn’t need to fear AI—but they do need to question it. Today’s tool gives them three quick checks to avoid falling for confident-sounding answers that are just plain wrong.

📚 WHY THIS MATTERS

When your teen uses AI, it might feel like a win: they’re independent, tech-savvy, efficient. But here’s what most parents miss—newer AI models are actually getting more wrong, not less.

OpenAI’s latest model was wrong in almost half its test responses. One study found ChatGPT made up academic sources—and when students used it to study, they felt prepared but bombed the test.

That disconnect matters. Teens often assume: “If it looks good, it must be right.” But without a quick way to pause and question, they’ll mistake fluency for fact—and start building habits on bad information.

This tool gives you a no-drama way to help your teen add that pause. No lectures. Just a reliable self-check they can use without you standing over their shoulder.

🛠️ THE TOOL: “Convincing ≠ Correct” Mini-Check

This is for teens (ages 12–18) who use AI for school, search, or anything in between. You’re not trying to stop them. You’re giving them a speed bump. A fast, repeatable way to not get fooled.

Here’s what to teach them to ask—every time AI gives them an answer:

1. “Does this sound right—or is it right?”
Remind them: confident writing isn’t the same as true information. AI is great at tone. It’s worse at facts.

2. “Where can I double-check this?”
They don’t need a full bibliography. Just one second source: a school resource, a known site, a trusted adult.

3. “What’s missing?”
Does it skip steps? Cite nothing? Oversimplify? Teach them to notice what’s not being said.

👀 Real Example:
ChatGPT says Shakespeare was born in 1567. Sounds polished. But it’s wrong—he was born in 1564. Ask:

• Does that sound right?

• Where else could I check it?

• What info is missing here?

Why it works: You’re not turning into the AI police. You’re raising a kid who questions fast, shiny answers—and builds real-world thinking skills in the process.

Looking for unbiased, fact-based news? Join 1440 today.

Join over 4 million Americans who start their day with 1440 – your daily digest for unbiased, fact-centric news. From politics to sports, we cover it all by analyzing over 100 sources. Our concise, 5-minute read lands in your inbox each morning at no cost. Experience news without the noise; let 1440 help you make up your own mind. Sign up now and invite your friends and family to be part of the informed.

Subscribe to 1440 today.

BEFORE YOU GO…

You don’t need to know everything about AI. You just need to build the pause. That small move—the 3-second check—is how you help your kid lead their own learning with a sharper mind.

Until next time,
James Brauer
Founder, Future-Ready Parents