Artificial intelligence is already so integrated into children’s lives that they may not even think of it as a separate concept from “internet” or “computer.” It is their digital servant, planning partner, encyclopedia, imaginative tool and homework assistant. Since we know that children of all ages are using AI, it is the responsibility of parents to make sure they are aware of both the benefits and the risks.
How younger children can operate artificial intelligence in primary school
Adolescent children are typically introduced to AI through age-appropriate educational games, interactive apps, and learning platforms that operate AI to personalize content. These games and platforms can operate a chatbot or virtual teacher to adaptively guide students through lessons. And when they do take standardized tests in school, they are likely adaptive, meaning they operate artificial intelligence to adjust students’ test questions to the most appropriate difficulty level based on previous responses.
How Letitia Barra middle school computer science teacher and technology, education and parenting blogger, said AI image generators (used under supervision) can facilitate children visualize things that only exist in their imagination.
“AI technology can develop creativity and imagination. For example, image generators can translate text ideas into fantastical and increasingly realistic images, and combine artistic vision with any level of imaginative talent,” Barr said.
You can facilitate kids get used to the ubiquity of AI technology by pointing out when an advanced computer process creates something personalized for them, even on sites like YouTube and TikTok that operate algorithms to customize the videos they see. Explain that these processes were typically performed by humans before AI software was developed. Assist them understand the difference between human thinking and the programmed process of aggregating input and reproducing information or actions in a human-like way.
Tweens and artificial intelligence
As homework and independent learning become more crucial, teens are more likely to operate artificial intelligence to facilitate with homework on demand, Barr said. In the middle grades, their research becomes more convoluted and they may operate artificial intelligence to synthesize ideas or clarify concepts.
“The most effective way for students to operate AI as a tool in their classroom work is to operate an explanation machine, not an answering machine,” Barr said.
It reminds me of the early days of Wikipedia. We have warned students from middle school through college never to trust this source as a reliable source. Over the last 20 years, we have come to accept Wikipedia as a way to quickly understand a topic (with the caveat that thorough fact-checking is necessary before incorporating that understanding into a dissertation).
Children this age can also learn to code on their own; they don’t just operate AI as a teaching or entertainment tool, they operate AI in their own contributions to technology.
Adolescent people are starting to feel like they are digital citizens, which makes it a good time to put an emphasis on privacy, security and the impact of artificial intelligence on society. Reiterate that they should never share personal information online, even with affable chatbots. Pay attention to what platforms or apps they operate to access AI and facilitate them distinguish age-appropriate resources from unsafe resources.
Risks and benefits of artificial intelligence for teenagers
Teenagers may be the group most vulnerable to the misuse of AI or its negative consequences. Teachers and parents alike are concerned about AI-based scams involving artificially generated reports and essays or access to chatbots during tests.
“I would be cautious about trying to operate any GenAI tools like ChatGPT for anything, as it is simply a chatbot imitating an actual conversation with a human,” Barr said. “It may be wrong or fraudulent. “It is better to teach children how to find and operate AI tools designed for specific purposes, such as image or voice generators, educational applications, etc.”
Teens are also susceptible to bullying based on AI-generated images, which can be hard to detect. The more teenagers operate social media, the more likely they are to encounter AI-generated content.
Focus your conversations about AI on ethics and skepticism. Emphasize that using artificial intelligence to misunderstand an academic concept or misrepresent reality is unethical. Remind teens to assume that anything AI generates – whether it’s witty photos on social media or explanations about the Chilly War – needs to be fact-checked.
“Every technology has risks and benefits,” Barr said. “Students need to be aware of the risk that AI-based chatbots can often provide incorrect information, and not all AI is intended for educational purposes. “If children want to operate AI for schoolwork, they need to operate AI platforms that are designed specifically for education and deliver high-quality learning, enhanced by purpose-built AI.”
Completely demonizing AI because of its risks will cut teenagers off from many of its benefits. Remind teens of all the ethical and constructive ways AI can make their lives easier if used responsibly:
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To aggregate study materials and create flashcards and quizzes.
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To generate a study plan based on your course load and available time.
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To facilitate them achieve a goal, such as completing their college application or learning a up-to-date language.
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To find out more about their interests and hobbies.
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Enriching their creativity by creating images, music or videos.
“Because students don’t always know how to start studying for a test or exam, AI can facilitate them stay on track and stay organized,” Barr said.
At all ages, using AI should be a collaborative effort between children, parents and (human) teachers.
“By working together, kids can learn how to find the right AI tools to facilitate them gather information, seek deeper understanding, or organize learning,” Barr said. “For example, there are AI-based applications that can facilitate students organize their thoughts before writing an essay. AI tools can facilitate students understand the writing prompt and then brainstorm and create an outline. “AI can also facilitate students plan a test-preparation study session to better organize their learning.”
To learn more about how to support your child as they navigate the world of AI, check out these resources:
