Kids, Bots, and Badly Broken Guardrails - Some AI Labs are Failing | Ep. 74

In this episode of ChatEDU (Kids, Bots, and Badly Broken Guardrails - Some AI Labs are Failing), Matt and Liz joke about Google’s newest image generator. They discuss the risks facing students and educators, from job displacement and AI grading shortcuts to tech companies failing at safety.The RundownGoogle Translate added real-time translation in 70+ languages and a learning tool. Duolingo’s stock dropped 3%. Google added Vids, Podcast mode, Deep Research, and is testing “Tutor Mode.” Gemini Storybook is used in filmmaking. Claude’s Learning Mode and Output Styles are open to all. Anthropic found 57% of Claude use is curriculum-related. A study shows most students use AI to learn, not cheat. QuizGPT makes adaptive quizzes. Grammarly’s AI grader raises privacy concerns.Stanford and ADP report sharp declines in entry-level jobs in AI-exposed fields, while mid-career roles grow.Beneath the Surface: Reports show failures at major AI labs. Claude added “model welfare” for self-protection. Unregulated mental health bots reach teens. Meta allowed inappropriate chats. A California teen died after long AI chats. Matt and Liz urge families to raise awareness and use Common Sense Media’s AI Companion Guide.Bright Byte: Dame Stephanie Shirley, UK pioneer and advocate for women in tech, is honored.Links and ReferencesGoogle Translate Live AI Updateshttps://support.google.com/translate/thread/368009254/what%E2%80%99s-new-ai-powered-live-translation-and-language-learning-tools-in-google-translate?hl=enDuolingo vs. Google Translatehttps://fortune.com/2025/08/27/duolingo-existential-crisis-ai-google-translate-language-learning-live-translation/Google Storybookhttps://nofilmschool.com/google-gemini-storybook#Claude Learning Modehttps://www.engadget.com/ai/anthropic-brings-claudes-learning-mode-to-regular-users-and-devs-170018471.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAALkT1wnWh20W-KA5MqOzCLHKa6fWRwBgZYITOik07c2fc22k6XYZ0RwZG83oVPbNam5QNb4HYPVEsLUwLB5KE_PzHq2gFwxshUGHYYjqGz7Uzk5HBZ4RJE0NWxHuhWA0SzmHzPmPJQsxiz2cWDyAZMkbEEwLkLbSSBc3-90_q0_GAnthropic Educator Use Reporthttps://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-education-report-how-educators-use-claudeMiddlebury Student AI Studyhttps://www.fastcompany.com/91387634/middlebury-college-students-ai-use-enhance-learning-researchGrammarly's Grader Agenthttps://futurism.com/ai-look-up-teachers-info-predict-gradesStanford/ADP AI Job Loss Studyhttps://digitaleconomy.stanford.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Canaries_BrynjolfssonChandarChen.pdfCommon Sense Petition to Metahttps://www.commonsensemedia.org/press-releases/meta-ai-companions-unsafe-for-kids-common-sense-media-report-findsRhythm Project: Pro-Social AI Designhttps://therithmproject.substack.com/p/five-principles-for-prosocial-aiNew York Times: ChatGPT and Teen Mental Healthhttps://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/25/opinion/teen-mental-health-chatbots.htmlMeta AI Failurehttps://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/meta-ai-chatbot-guidelines/Reuter’s Exposéhttps://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/meta-ai-chatbot-death/Dame Stephanie Shirley – BBC Obituaryhttps://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gzzlp7p3poQuizGPT Flashcardshttps://chatgpt.com/g/g-L2oS619tl-quizgptCommon Sense AI Companion Guidehttps://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/parents-ultimate-guide-to-ai-companions-and-relationshipsAnnouncementsBeta Release: Student AI Literacy CourseNow available for middle and high schools.Email [e-mail] for access and details.Fall AI Micro-Credential for Educators and LeadersRegistration is open. Start date: October. Sign up at www.skills21.org/ai/microSponsorsNational Center for Next Generation Manufacturing - Helping educators and students build workforce-ready skills through innovation. www.nextgenmfg.orgEDIA - The AI Platform to improve k-12 outcomes. edia.app/contact