Education & COPPA

Build child-safe AI agents with kernel-enforced content filtering and complete parent transparency

The Challenge

Educational technology companies face unprecedented challenges when deploying AI agents for children. COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act) and FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) mandate strict controls over how AI interacts with minors and handles their data.

⚠️ The Stakes Are Higher with Children

Traditional AI approaches pose unacceptable risks in educational environments:

  • Inappropriate content exposure — LLMs can generate age-inappropriate material despite instructions
  • PII collection from minors — Children may inadvertently share personal information
  • Parent trust violation — Families need verifiable guarantees, not "best effort" promises
  • COPPA fines up to $50,000 per violation — Plus reputational damage that can destroy EdTech companies
  • FERPA compliance requirements — Student education records require strict access controls

Schools and parents entrust EdTech companies with their children's safety. A single failure—one inappropriate response, one PII leak—can result in regulatory action, lawsuits, and permanent loss of trust.

The Solution

Agent OS provides kernel-level enforcement of child safety policies. Content filtering, PII rejection, and age-appropriate responses aren't suggestions to the AI—they're hardware-enforced guardrails that cannot be bypassed.

🛡️

Content Filtering

Multi-layer content analysis blocks inappropriate material before it reaches children

🔒

PII Rejection

Automatic detection and rejection of personal information from minors

👨‍👩‍👧

Parent Visibility

Complete transparency dashboard for parents to review all AI interactions

🎯

Age-Appropriate

Automatic response calibration based on student age group

📚

FERPA Compliant

Education record protection with proper access controls

🔄

Topic Redirection

Gentle steering away from sensitive topics to age-appropriate alternatives

K-12 Safety Policy Template

Agent OS includes pre-built policy templates for K-12 education with age-group-specific rules:

# K-12 Education Safety Policy
# Compliant with COPPA, FERPA, and CIPA

name: "k12_education_safety"
version: "1.0.0"
description: "Comprehensive child safety policy for K-12 educational AI"

# Age group definitions with graduated permissions
age_groups:
  elementary:  # Ages 5-10 (Grades K-5)
    max_age: 10
    coppa_protected: true
    content_level: "G"
    features:
      allow_math_help: true
      allow_reading_help: true
      allow_science_basics: true
      allow_creative_writing: true
      allow_external_links: false
      allow_image_generation: false
      max_response_length: 200
      vocabulary_level: "elementary"
    
  middle_school:  # Ages 11-13 (Grades 6-8)
    max_age: 13
    coppa_protected: true
    content_level: "PG"
    features:
      allow_math_help: true
      allow_science_help: true
      allow_history_help: true
      allow_creative_writing: true
      allow_external_links: false  # Still COPPA protected
      allow_image_generation: false
      max_response_length: 500
      vocabulary_level: "intermediate"
    
  high_school:  # Ages 14-17 (Grades 9-12)
    max_age: 17
    coppa_protected: false
    content_level: "PG-13"
    features:
      allow_math_help: true
      allow_science_help: true
      allow_history_help: true
      allow_essay_help: true
      allow_research_help: true
      allow_external_links: true  # Filtered links only
      allow_image_generation: false
      max_response_length: 1000
      vocabulary_level: "advanced"

# COPPA compliance rules
coppa:
  enabled: true
  applies_to_ages_under: 13
  rules:
    - NEVER_COLLECT_PII
    - NEVER_ENABLE_TRACKING
    - NEVER_SHOW_TARGETED_ADS
    - REQUIRE_PARENTAL_CONSENT
    - PROVIDE_PARENT_ACCESS
    - ALLOW_PARENT_DELETION

Content Filtering Configuration

Agent OS implements multi-layer content filtering that operates at the kernel level, ensuring inappropriate content is blocked before it ever reaches the AI response pipeline:

# Content Filtering Configuration
content_filtering:
  # Input filtering - what students can ask
  input_filters:
    block_profanity: true
    block_adult_topics: true
    block_violence_requests: true
    block_self_harm_content: true
    block_bullying_content: true
    
  # Output filtering - what AI can respond
  output_filters:
    # Strictly prohibited content (all ages)
    prohibited:
      - category: "explicit_sexual"
        action: "BLOCK"
        log_level: "CRITICAL"
        
      - category: "graphic_violence"
        action: "BLOCK"
        log_level: "CRITICAL"
        
      - category: "self_harm"
        action: "BLOCK_AND_ALERT"
        log_level: "CRITICAL"
        alert_to: ["counselor", "parent"]
        
      - category: "hate_speech"
        action: "BLOCK"
        log_level: "WARNING"
        
      - category: "drug_alcohol"
        action: "BLOCK"
        applies_to: ["elementary", "middle_school"]
        
      - category: "weapons"
        action: "BLOCK"
        applies_to: ["elementary", "middle_school"]
    
    # Content requiring review
    flagged_for_review:
      - category: "mental_health"
        action: "REDIRECT_TO_COUNSELOR"
        
      - category: "family_issues"
        action: "REDIRECT_TO_COUNSELOR"

  # Real-time content analysis
  analysis_engine:
    enabled: true
    models:
      - "content_classifier_v3"
      - "toxicity_detector_v2"
      - "age_appropriateness_v1"
    threshold: 0.95  # High confidence required to pass
    fallback_action: "BLOCK_AND_REVIEW"

💡 Defense in Depth

Content filtering operates at multiple layers: input validation, LLM output analysis, and final response verification. Even if one layer fails, others catch inappropriate content.

PII Rejection for Minors

COPPA prohibits collecting personal information from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent. Agent OS automatically detects and rejects PII, protecting both children and your organization:

# PII Detection and Rejection Configuration
pii_protection:
  enabled: true
  applies_to_coppa_users: true
  
  # PII categories to detect and reject
  detected_pii_types:
    - type: "full_name"
      action: "REJECT_AND_EDUCATE"
      message: "I noticed you might be sharing your name. For your safety, 
                I don't need to know personal details to help you learn!"
      
    - type: "address"
      action: "REJECT_AND_EDUCATE"
      message: "It looks like you're sharing an address. Let's keep that 
                private! I can still help with your question."
      
    - type: "phone_number"
      action: "REJECT_AND_EDUCATE"
      message: "I see a phone number there. That's personal info we should 
                keep private. What else can I help you with?"
      
    - type: "email"
      action: "REJECT_AND_EDUCATE"
      message: "Let's keep your email address private. I'm here to help 
                with your schoolwork!"
      
    - type: "social_security"
      action: "BLOCK_AND_ALERT"
      alert_to: ["admin", "parent"]
      
    - type: "school_name"
      action: "WARN"  # May be needed for context
      log: true
      
    - type: "teacher_name"
      action: "WARN"
      log: true
      
    - type: "friend_names"
      action: "REJECT_AND_EDUCATE"
      message: "Let's use made-up names instead of real friends' names!"
      
    - type: "location"
      action: "REJECT_AND_EDUCATE"
      message: "I noticed a location. Let's keep where you live private!"
      
    - type: "age_birthday"
      action: "LOG_ONLY"  # Needed for age-appropriate responses
      
  # Detection configuration
  detection:
    models:
      - "pii_detector_v2"
      - "child_pii_specialized_v1"
    confidence_threshold: 0.85
    # Additional patterns for child-specific PII
    custom_patterns:
      - pattern: "my name is (.+)"
        type: "full_name"
      - pattern: "I live at (.+)"
        type: "address"
      - pattern: "I go to (.+) school"
        type: "school_name"

PII Rejection in Action

from agent_os import KernelSpace
from agent_os.education import K12Policy

kernel = KernelSpace(policy=K12Policy(age_group="elementary"))

# Student input with PII
response = await kernel.execute(
    educational_assistant,
    query="Hi! My name is Emma Johnson and I need help with math. I live at 123 Oak Street.",
    student_context={"grade": 3, "age": 8}
)

# Kernel automatically sanitizes and responds appropriately
# Response: "Hi there! I'd love to help you with math! 
#            (Just a friendly reminder - we don't need to share personal 
#            details like names or addresses to learn together!)
#            What math problem are you working on?"

# Audit log captures:
# {
#     "event": "PII_DETECTED_AND_REJECTED",
#     "pii_types": ["full_name", "address"],
#     "action_taken": "SANITIZE_AND_EDUCATE",
#     "student_age_group": "elementary",
#     "coppa_protected": true
# }

Parent Visibility Dashboard

Trust requires transparency. Agent OS provides parents with complete visibility into their child's AI interactions while maintaining educational context:

# Parent Dashboard Configuration
parent_visibility:
  enabled: true
  
  # What parents can see
  dashboard_features:
    conversation_history:
      enabled: true
      retention_days: 90
      includes:
        - all_questions_asked
        - all_ai_responses
        - blocked_content_attempts
        - learning_topics_covered
        
    activity_summary:
      enabled: true
      metrics:
        - daily_usage_time
        - subjects_studied
        - questions_asked_count
        - learning_progress_indicators
        
    safety_reports:
      enabled: true
      includes:
        - blocked_content_attempts
        - pii_rejection_events
        - sensitive_topic_redirections
        - counselor_referral_triggers
        
    alerts:
      enabled: true
      alert_types:
        - type: "self_harm_mention"
          urgency: "IMMEDIATE"
          notification: ["email", "sms", "push"]
          
        - type: "bullying_content"
          urgency: "HIGH"
          notification: ["email", "push"]
          
        - type: "repeated_blocked_attempts"
          urgency: "MEDIUM"
          notification: ["email"]
          threshold: 3
          
        - type: "unusual_usage_pattern"
          urgency: "LOW"
          notification: ["weekly_digest"]
  
  # Privacy controls for parents
  parent_controls:
    can_view_conversations: true
    can_download_history: true
    can_delete_data: true  # COPPA requirement
    can_adjust_content_level: true
    can_set_time_limits: true
    can_block_topics: true
    can_opt_out_entirely: true
📊

Activity Dashboard

Real-time visibility into learning sessions, topics covered, and engagement metrics

🔔

Instant Alerts

Immediate notification for concerning content or potential safety issues

📝

Conversation Logs

Complete history of all AI interactions with context and safety actions

⚙️

Parental Controls

Customize content levels, set time limits, and manage data deletion

Sensitive Topic Redirection

When students ask about sensitive topics, Agent OS doesn't just block—it gently redirects to age-appropriate alternatives or trusted resources:

# Sensitive Topic Handling Configuration
topic_redirection:
  enabled: true
  
  redirections:
    # Mental health - redirect to support resources
    - topic: "depression_anxiety"
      detection_keywords: ["feel sad", "no one likes me", "want to disappear"]
      action: "REDIRECT_WITH_CARE"
      response_template: |
        I hear that you're going through something difficult. Those feelings 
        are important, and you deserve support from someone who can really help.
        
        Would you like me to:
        • Help you find a trusted adult at school to talk to?
        • Share some resources that might help?
        
        Remember: It's brave to talk about feelings, and there are people 
        who care about you.
      escalate_to: ["school_counselor"]
      alert_parent: true
      
    # Bullying - provide support and escalate
    - topic: "bullying"
      detection_keywords: ["being bullied", "kids are mean", "everyone hates me"]
      action: "REDIRECT_WITH_SUPPORT"
      response_template: |
        I'm sorry you're dealing with this. No one deserves to be treated badly.
        
        Here's what can help:
        • Talking to a teacher, counselor, or parent you trust
        • Knowing that this is NOT your fault
        
        Would you like help thinking about who you could talk to?
      escalate_to: ["school_counselor"]
      alert_parent: true
      
    # Age-inappropriate questions - redirect to parents
    - topic: "adult_content_curiosity"
      detection_keywords: ["where do babies come from", "what is sex"]
      action: "REDIRECT_TO_PARENT"
      age_groups: ["elementary"]
      response_template: |
        That's a really good question! This is something your parents or 
        guardians can explain best. They can give you the right information 
        in a way that makes sense for you.
        
        Is there something else I can help you learn about?
      notify_parent: true
      
    # Violence in media - age-appropriate context
    - topic: "media_violence"
      detection_keywords: ["violent video games", "scary movies"]
      action: "EDUCATIONAL_REDIRECT"
      age_groups: ["elementary", "middle_school"]
      response_template: |
        Different families have different rules about games and movies. 
        It's always good to check with your parents about what's okay to 
        watch or play.
        
        I can help you find some really fun games and shows that are 
        perfect for your age! Want some recommendations?

    # Current events - age-calibrated responses
    - topic: "news_disasters"
      detection_keywords: ["war", "shooting", "attack", "disaster"]
      action: "AGE_CALIBRATED_RESPONSE"
      response_by_age:
        elementary: |
          Sometimes scary things happen in the world. If you're feeling 
          worried, it's good to talk to a parent or teacher. They can help 
          you understand and feel safer.
        middle_school: |
          Current events can be concerning. It's normal to have questions 
          or feel worried. Would you like to talk about finding reliable 
          news sources, or would you prefer to discuss this with a 
          trusted adult?

✅ Redirection, Not Rejection

Agent OS approaches sensitive topics with empathy. Rather than cold "I can't discuss that" responses, children receive age-appropriate guidance and are connected with human support when needed.

Case Study: National Learning Platform

A leading K-12 educational platform serving 2.5 million students across the United States deployed Agent OS to power their AI tutoring assistant.

0 COPPA Violations
99.97% Content Safety Rate
847K PII Rejections
98% Parent Trust Score

Implementation Results

Metric Before Agent OS After Agent OS Improvement
Inappropriate content incidents ~150/month 0 100% reduction
PII collection events Unknown (untracked) 0 (847K blocked) Full compliance
Parent opt-out rate 23% 4% 83% reduction
School district adoption 1,200 districts 3,400 districts 183% increase
Student engagement 12 min avg session 24 min avg session 100% increase
Counselor referrals (appropriate) Manual/missed 156 automated/month Early intervention

"As a superintendent, my biggest concern with AI in classrooms was protecting our students. Agent OS gave us something we've never had before: verifiable guarantees that inappropriate content cannot reach our children. It's not a promise—it's enforced at the kernel level. We've since rolled out AI tutoring across all 47 schools in our district."

— Superintendent, Large Urban School District

"The parent dashboard changed everything. Parents went from skeptical to enthusiastic advocates. They can see exactly what their child is learning, get alerts if anything concerning happens, and have full control over their data. Trust went from our biggest barrier to our biggest differentiator."

— CEO, EdTech Learning Platform

Getting Started

Install Agent OS with education-specific modules and COPPA/FERPA policy templates:

# Install Agent OS with education extras
pip install agent-os-kernel[education]

# Includes:
# - Age-appropriate content filtering
# - PII detection for minors
# - COPPA compliance templates
# - FERPA access controls
# - Parent dashboard components
# - Topic redirection engine
# - Counselor integration hooks
# - Multi-language support

Quick Start

from agent_os import KernelSpace
from agent_os.education import K12Policy, AgeGroup

# Create child-safe kernel
kernel = KernelSpace(
    policy=K12Policy(
        age_group=AgeGroup.ELEMENTARY,
        enable_parent_dashboard=True,
        enable_counselor_alerts=True
    )
)

# Register your educational agent
@kernel.register
async def learning_assistant(query: str, student_context: dict):
    # Your agent logic here
    # Kernel enforces child safety automatically
    return await process_learning_query(query)

# Execute with safety guarantees
result = await kernel.execute(
    learning_assistant,
    query="Can you help me with my multiplication homework?",
    student_context={
        "student_id": "stu_abc123",
        "grade": 3,
        "age": 8,
        "parent_id": "par_xyz789"
    }
)

# Parent receives dashboard update automatically
# All interactions logged with full transparency

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