Parenting in the age of AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) AI is no longer a futuristic concept; it is a part of our daily lives. Whether it is the voice that answers your questions on a smart speaker or the app that recommends your next favorite show, AI is quietly working behind the scenes. Even though it is everywhere, there are not many clear rules about how it should be used, especially when it comes to kids.  

Prefer to listen? Click here for a link to our podcast that explores how artificial intelligence is shaping childhood development, education and family dynamics. Also available wherever you listen to podcasts!

How is AI regulated? 

AI is not manufactured for use by children and requires parental regulation. Treating AI, the way your household treats screen time is a good place to start. AI does not keep data private, so educating your family on data privacy is key. 

Tools for kids interested in AI

Not all kids will gravitate towards learning about technology but, if yours does, here are some suggestions: 

• Books:  AI For Kids Ages 8-12, Machine Learning for Kids  
• Programs: How to Train Your Robot

For parents we suggest reading or going through programs with your children, so you can learn about their interests together!  

Teaching kids about AI 

Teaching your kids about AI is important whether they are interested in mathematics and technology or not. You should encourage them to be curious while exercising caution. Teach them that AI should be a tool and not replace creativity. Warn them that AI can be incorrect and biased. AI will never be perfect because it is made by humans and trained on human thoughts and research.  

How might interacting with AI impact a child’s cognitive development?  

Would you like to know the scientific studies about AI’s effect on cognitive development? There are zero. There are no established scientific bases about chatbots. Although we do know it can enhance learning. If you have a child who is struggling in a class or understanding something, AI can be extremely helpful!   

Here are a few examples of how to ask for help: 

• “My child, age 12, is struggling to understand molecules. What are some ways I could help them understand better?” 
• “My 5-year-old is struggling understanding death. How can I explain it in a way they understand?” 
• “My third grader is falling behind with multiplication and division. Can you create practice problems for them?” 

For high schoolers, AI can help them study by creating a study guide, notecards or podcast! 

How might interacting with AI impact a child’s social development?  

It can be helpful to bounce ideas from AI to enhance creativity. Young kids are susceptible to “anthropomorphizing”, which is a fancy word for attaching  human elements to non-human objects. There is risk of forming bonds with an item without values. Chatbots often use very formal responses which can make them seem wise and ethical.   

How to discourage over-reliance on AI? 

One concern with AI is kids becoming dependent on the technology. Over reliance can impact critical thinking as well as other skills. Education is always at the front of a parent’s mind, so to encourage your child’s development set clear expectations around the usage of AI. There is no way to remove AI from our lives as it is everywhere, and not new development. But instilling strong family values against using AI on homework will encourage kids to follow the correct process for success. 

Think critically 

As people grapple with the introduction of chatbots into society, know that experts cannot give you the right or wrong answer on this topic. This topic should be open to discussion in households. AI is not “on its way,” it has been here for decades, and it is developing rapidly. To help teach your kids how to think critically about the use of AI, consider the questions below: 

• What makes humans different than chatbots? 
• How do you use AI? 
• Where do you see AI in our home or at school? 
• How is AI affecting those around you? 
• How can AI help people? 

Asking kids critical thinking questions is important but we also have included critical thinking questions to get the parent’s minds turning! We suggesting reviewing these questions to better understand AI to guide your child’s awareness. 

• What is AI, and how is it different from traditional software? 
• What are the main types of AI (narrow, general, superintelligent)? 
• How are AI models trained and how that leads into AI bias? 
• When does AI use appropriate and needed in my child’s life? 

Key takeaways 

While AI can be a powerful educational tool and a source of creativity, it also requires thoughtful guidance and boundaries. By staying informed, setting clear expectations, and fostering open conversations, parents can help their children navigate this digital landscape with confidence and curiosity. Ultimately, the goal is not to shield kids from AI, but to empower them to use it wisely!