diff --git a/lib/pangea/models/bot_options_model.dart b/lib/pangea/models/bot_options_model.dart
index 5c61eef5a9..e67021f778 100644
--- a/lib/pangea/models/bot_options_model.dart
+++ b/lib/pangea/models/bot_options_model.dart
@@ -58,7 +58,9 @@ class BotOptionsModel {
       //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
       // General Bot Options
       //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-      languageLevel: json[ModelKey.languageLevel],
+      languageLevel: json[ModelKey.languageLevel] is int
+          ? json[ModelKey.languageLevel]
+          : null,
       safetyModeration: json[ModelKey.safetyModeration] ?? true,
       mode: json[ModelKey.mode] ?? "discussion",