Google AI Tools Expanding Age Access
A need to know for School leaders, Teachers and Network Administrators: Gemini app and NotebookLM, AI-powered Google Workspace Core Services are expanding to support all ages within Google Workspace for Education environments.
Original source: Google for Workspace Education email update - reviewed by our editors and adapted by Gemini.
Previously, the Gemini app was available to Google Workspace for Education users aged 13 or older (or the applicable age in your country). It is now available for all ages. NotebookLM, which was previously available only to Google Workspace for Education users aged 18 or older, will become available for all ages in the coming months.
Implications for Our Educational Community
AI tools can serve as resources for learning and creativity. Gemini incorporates LearnLM, based on the science of learning.
When accessible, Google Workspace for Education users will be able to utilize the Gemini app (gemini.google.com and the mobile app) and NotebookLM (notebooklm.google.com and the mobile app) for tasks such as:
Creating lesson plans and supplementary study materials.
Receiving support to deepen understanding of class material.
Obtaining feedback on work and checking comprehension.
See Google Classroom Gemini
(if you can't access this feature as seen the image below, ask your administor to allow access)
Features for Younger Learners (Students Under 18)
For students under 18, specific features are being implemented:
Stricter Gemini and NotebookLM policies are in place to limit potentially inappropriate or harmful responses.
A youth-oriented Gemini onboarding experience includes AI literacy resources endorsed by ConnectSafely and the Family Online Safety Institute.
The "double-check response" feature, powered by Google Search, will run automatically the first time a user asks Gemini a fact-based question. Users can also employ this feature at any time to help validate Gemini’s responses.
Terms of Use and Data Privacy
The Google Workspace for Education terms, which include enterprise-grade protections and support compliance with industry regulations such as FERPA and COPPA, now cover the Gemini app and NotebookLM as Core Services for all Workspace for Education users, reflecting updated age restrictions.
The terms also state that user chats or uploaded files are not reviewed by human reviewers or otherwise used to improve Google's AI models. Google will process user data as described in the Generative AI in Google Workspace Privacy Hub and the Google Workspace for Education Privacy Notice.
In alignment with other Core Services available to all Workspace for Education users, the Gemini app and NotebookLM will be default ON for all new Workspace for Education customers in August 2025.
Action for Administrators
By August 1, 2025, Google Workspace for Education administrators can opt out in the Admin console if they do not want the Gemini app and/or NotebookLM turned ON at the top-level organizational unit for existing customers.
If an administrator does not opt out and has configured Gemini or NotebookLM OFF for other organizational units, those specific settings will remain in place. If an administrator opts out, existing Gemini app and NotebookLM settings will not change.
Administrators maintain control and can:
Set up groups or organizational units to give only certain users access.
Review organizational Gemini usage in the Admin console and use Vault with eDiscovery to view and export user Gemini chats.
User Guidance
Users should be aware that AI tools, including Gemini and NotebookLM, can make errors. Critical evaluation of Gemini responses is advised. Users can utilize the "double-check" feature to verify information. Users should also be reminded that Gemini and NotebookLM are AI models and do not possess independent thoughts or emotions. Filters are in place to limit inappropriate content, but they are not infallible. Focusing on class-relevant topics can minimize this risk.
Quickstart Guide to Gemini and NotebookLM for Education
Some rewindable PLD for Steve Smith GoogleNZ and NEX Kōtuitui:
