Google is making its AI-powered Gemini chatbot available to teenage students in more than 100 countries, including Canada, through its Workspace for Education accounts.

The media giant says that giving teens access to Gemini can help them develop skills to succeed in a world with generative AI.

“Gemini can provide guided support to help students learn more confidently with in-the-moment assistance, practice materials, and real-time feedback and ideas. Hands-on experience with generative AI will help prepare students for an AI-driven future,” the company said in a statement.

Gemini runs on a diverse dataset, including text, code, pictures and audio, and focuses on digital advertising and marketing. It identifies and targets specific audience segments, generates ads based on user input and campaign objectives, and provides valuable insights into audience behaviour and preferences.

Google made the tool available to teens with personal accounts in November, and is now expanding its accessibility to students after consulting with child safety and development experts.

The company said providing a safe experience in Gemini is its priority now, so it would not use data from student chats to improve its AI models. The tool will have safety measures to avoid inappropriate responses, such as illegal or age-regulated substances, and it will encourage teens to use the double-check tool to improve their information literacy and critical thinking abilities. The first time students ask a fact-based question, Gemini will automatically activate its double-check response feature, which helps determine whether there is evidence online to back up their answer.

A literacy video with recommendations on how to use generative AI responsibly will also be available, as well as a tailored version of Gemini, Learning Coach, which will help students gain knowledge by providing step-by-step study assistance and activities, such as quizzes and games.

Gemini will be disabled by default for teenagers until the administrators decide to enable it.

Google has also announced the launch of its Read Along in Classroom program worldwide. The AI-powered feature helps students develop reading skills and get real-time support. Educators can assign reading activities to students based on their grade level. They can then view information about reading accuracy, speed and comprehension.