Microsoft Copilot Safety Guide
A parent's guide to Microsoft Copilot — the AI assistant built into Windows 11, Microsoft Edge, and Office 365 — and how to manage children's access.
Official age
13+
We recommend
13+
Developer
Microsoft
Risks
3
Overview
Microsoft Copilot is an AI assistant powered by OpenAI technology and integrated directly into Windows 11, the Microsoft Edge browser, Bing search, and Microsoft 365 (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). Because it is built into the operating system and productivity software that many children use for school, children may access it without actively choosing to. In schools using Microsoft 365 for Education, Copilot features may be available on student accounts depending on the institution's licensing and configuration.
How children use it
Children encounter Copilot through the taskbar in Windows 11, through Bing when searching the web in Edge, and through the 'Copilot' button that appears within Word and other Office applications. Many use it to draft text, summarise documents, or get homework answers. Because it is embedded in familiar school tools, children may use it routinely without parents being aware.
Main risks
Recommended privacy settings
Content Filtering (SafeSearch in Bing / Copilot)
Location: Bing → Settings → SafeSearch
Set to: Strict
Setting SafeSearch to Strict filters explicit content from Bing search results and from Copilot responses delivered through the Bing interface. This is an important baseline control for children's devices.
Microsoft Family Safety
Location: Microsoft Family Safety app → Child account settings
Set to: Enabled with spending and screen time limits
Microsoft Family Safety lets parents manage children's Microsoft accounts, set screen time limits, approve app purchases, and receive activity reports. It also allows content filtering across Edge.
Copilot in Windows — Access Control
Location: Windows Settings → Privacy & Security → For developers → Copilot
Set to: Disabled if child should not have access
On Windows 11, administrators can disable the Copilot sidebar for specific user accounts. If you share a device, ensure your child's account has appropriate access controls.
Parent actions
Install the Microsoft Family Safety app and link your child's Microsoft account to set content filters and receive activity reports
Time: 20 minutes
Set SafeSearch to Strict in Bing settings on your child's device to apply content filtering to Copilot's web-based responses
Time: 5 minutes
Ask your child's school whether Microsoft Copilot is enabled in their 365 for Education account and what academic integrity policies apply to AI use
Time: 15 minutes