Can I Use This Picture? Copyright Explained for Kids

The big idea

When someone draws, writes, or makes a song, they OWN it. That's copyright. You usually need to ask before using it — even online.

Some examples

• 'Can I use a Pokémon picture in my school project?'
• 'What does 'copyright' mean for a kid YouTube video?'
• 'When is it okay to use someone's drawing?'
• 'What's 'fair use' in simple words?'

Try it!

Pick a picture from the internet. Ask AI: 'Can a kid use this in a school report?' Find out the answer.

AI and Why You Can't Just Copy Any Picture from the Internet

The big idea

When someone draws or photographs something, the law says they own it — even if it's online.

Some examples

• A drawing on a website still belongs to the artist.
• Using it for a school project is sometimes okay — ask your teacher.
• Ask AI: 'Can I use this picture for my project?'

Try it!

Find a picture online. Ask a grown-up: 'Who owns this, and can I use it?'

Here's why "AI and Why You Can't Just Copy Any Picture from the Internet" matters: AI is starting to help with legal research and document review — but always with human oversight. Pictures online belong to whoever made them — copyright is a law that protects them — and knowing how to apply this gives you a concrete advantage.

• Learn what "copyright" means and why it's important
• Learn what "creators" means and why it's important
• Learn what "permission" means and why it's important

1. Find out more about AI and Why You Can't Just Copy Any Picture from the Internet by asking an AI a question about it
2. Talk to a grown-up about what you learned
3. Write down one new thing you learned today

AI and not using other people's art without asking

The big idea

AI can copy styles, but you should never use someone else's art without permission.

Some examples

• Don't ask AI for 'a Pikachu by me'
• Original is your own ideas, not copying
• Real artists make a living from their art
• Make your own characters instead

Try it!

Make up a brand-new character of your own. Ask AI to draw it. That one's all yours.

Here's why "AI and not using other people's art without asking" matters: AI is starting to help with legal research and document review — but always with human oversight. AI can copy styles, but you should never use someone else's art without permission — and knowing how to apply this gives you a concrete advantage.

• Learn what "copyright" means and why it's important
• Learn what "art" means and why it's important
• Learn what "asking" means and why it's important

1. Find out more about AI and not using other people's art without asking by asking an AI a question about it
2. Talk to a grown-up about what you learned
3. Write down one new thing you learned today

AI and asking permission before using art

The big idea

If a person made the art, you ask them before using it. AI cannot say yes for them.

Some examples

• Want to use a friend's drawing? Ask them.
• Want to use a famous song in a video? It needs permission too.
• AI can suggest free-to-use art that already has permission.

Try it!

Ask AI: 'What is free-to-use art?' Tell a grown-up what you learned.

Here's why "AI and asking permission before using art" matters: AI is starting to help with legal research and document review — but always with human oversight. Other people's art is theirs — AI cannot give you permission — and knowing how to apply this gives you a concrete advantage.

• Learn what "copyright" means and why it's important
• Learn what "permission" means and why it's important
• Learn what "art" means and why it's important

1. Find out more about AI and asking permission before using art by asking an AI a question about it
2. Talk to a grown-up about what you learned
3. Write down one new thing you learned today

AI and what copyright means for kids

The big idea

Copyright means the person who made it owns it. Using it usually needs permission.

Some examples

• Songs, books, and movies all have copyright owners.
• Try: 'Explain copyright to a 4th grader.'
• Your own drawings? You own those!

Try it!

Ask AI to explain copyright with a fun example.

Here's why "AI and what copyright means for kids" matters: AI is starting to help with legal research and document review — but always with human oversight. Copyright is the rule that says creators own what they make — AI can explain — and knowing how to apply this gives you a concrete advantage.

• Learn what "copyright" means and why it's important
• Learn what "creators" means and why it's important
• Learn what "ownership" means and why it's important

1. Find out more about AI and what copyright means for kids by asking an AI a question about it
2. Talk to a grown-up about what you learned
3. Write down one new thing you learned today