Parents often encounter alarming narratives about artificial intelligence, including claims that 'there's a 10% chance that it's going to kill us all' and that it poses significant risks for teenagers. This perspective comes from Emily Oster, a parenting expert and economics professor at Brown University, who spoke with CNBC Make It during OpenAI's ChatGPT for Teens Parent Forum.

Oster highlighted that today's parents face a constant barrage of negative news regarding the dangers associated with both new and existing technologies. She remarked, 'That is a very anxiety provoking experience' for parents.

Before resorting to extreme measures, such as isolating their children until they reach adulthood or imposing strict limits out of fear, Oster has some recommendations. She suggests that parents should first seek to educate themselves about new online platforms as they emerge.

Oster believes that parents can benefit from exploring these tools, stating, 'I do think there is value for parents in exploring some of these tools.' The aim is not necessarily to make immediate decisions about their children's usage but to gain a firsthand understanding of these platforms.

By doing so, parents may find that these technologies are less intimidating than they appear. Even if concerns remain, having more knowledge can help in establishing appropriate boundaries. 'You're coming into the conversation feeling more empowered,' Oster noted.

To mitigate the anxiety stemming from external influences, Oster emphasizes the importance of controlling the environment within the home. She stated, 'A stable home environment with parents who love them, who are supporting them, that is the thing that you control.'

She further pointed out that parents may not dedicate enough time to nurturing their home life compared to their worries about external factors.

Research from the American Psychological Association supports the notion that a nurturing home life significantly impacts a child's development. A warm, open environment with appropriate boundaries is linked to higher self-esteem and improved academic performance.

Oster advises parents to focus on fostering love and support at home while also setting limits, such as restricting screen time overnight. She reminds them of the importance of this foundation when preparing their children to face the outside world.