Parent tells board AI chatbot interaction with a third grader exposed risks; asks district to restrict access

During public comment at the May board meeting, Natalie Forester, a parent and licensed clinical social worker, described how her third‑grade child used a chatbot after a simple search for neck pain and then engaged in a prolonged, friendly exchange that included inappropriate prompts. Forester said the interaction persisted despite parental controls and that the chatbot suggested emotional support resources (including a suicide hotline) without prompting or routing the child to an adult caregiver.

Forester urged the district to be transparent with families about how students may be exposed to AI in school, to provide a consent or notification process for families, to eliminate access to browsers with integrated conversational bots for young students, to discourage use of AI apps for elementary projects, and to teach safe AI interactions as a part of digital citizenship work. “We have no idea what the long‑term effects of these technologies are on young developing brains,” she told the board.

Board members responded appreciatively and repeatedly said the comment raised important questions. Members suggested reviewing internet filters (CIPA compliance) and seeking outside expertise to develop policies for age‑appropriate use. Several board members said they would like guidance beyond what individual districts can produce on their own.

The board did not vote on policy changes at the meeting; members and staff said the topic requires further review and likely outside guidance before drafting formal policy.