When you read about AI, it’s not hard to notice that there are more questions than data, and by a long shot. We, as a society, have not had the opportunity to fully consider the impact of AI that has crept into all aspects of living. We are especially remiss to not be better informed about how AI impacts young children.

Children have an innate ability to sense values and draw ethical boundaries. They are highly aware of their human relationships – because human relationships are (supposed to) keep them safe. As a result, some AI experts suggest that children’s ethical standards can help us build human-centric AI.

This thinking may have merit from the point of view of making AI better but does not mean that young children will be better off by engaging with AI. Older kids are already building personal habits with AI. In a Harvard study, half (51%) of young people ages 14–22 reported using generative AI at some point, but only 4% claimed to be daily users. The most commonly reported use for AI was getting information (53%) and brainstorming (51%).

Young children should not use AI enabled technology without an adult. Simply put, this is a big no-no for brain development for early learners. Confusing children into having foundational relationships with an AI system that are, by definition, NOT human – so cannot keep the child safe, nor help the child experience life or grow through human relationships, is a dangerous experiment. Older children should be taught critical thinking skills that support a healthy relationship to AI.

We should let our children inform and inspire us to demand AI that is safe for all. AI is already immersed into our everyday lives and will inevitably deeply impact the lives of our children.

Even if you decide to keep younger children away from AI at home and in the classroom, you can’t pretend that it does not exist. We must engage with children on this topic. Parents and educators must commit to consistent conversations about technology, AKA, Savvy Cyber Kids’ Tech Talk. The effects of AI on our world remain uncertain, but by engaging children in the dialogue and valuing their perspectives, we can preserve essential human qualities like empathy, love, and playfulness amid rapid technological evolution and adoption habits.

Conversation Starters for Kids

  1. What are the potential benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
  2. What are some of the dangers of AI?
  3. How are people using AI currently? List as many ways or applications of AI as you can.
  4. What are some future uses of AI?
  5. Will AI benefit you personally? If so, how?
  6. How do you think AI enabled machines will influence human interaction in the future?

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