Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly present in children’s learning and daily lives, especially among students. Alongside its clear benefits, AI also raises a number of concerns regarding independent thinking, academic integrity, and online safety. Therefore, it is essential for parents to accompany and guide their children in using AI from an early age. The article below shares key points parents should pay attention to in order to help children use AI effectively, safely, and responsibly.
1. What is AI and how does it affect children?
1.1. What is AI?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be simply understood as technology that enables computers to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, logical reasoning, image and voice recognition, or providing answers to specific problems. For children, AI is no longer something unfamiliar; it appears in many everyday situations.
Visible applications: AI is clearly seen in tools that children frequently use, such as voice assistants (e.g., Siri), English-learning apps that adjust lessons to the learner’s level, software that generates images or written texts, or question-answering tools that help children complete homework more quickly.
Less visible applications: AI also exists in the form of hidden algorithms, such as video recommendation systems on YouTube or TikTok based on content children have previously watched, or how Google ranks search results. These algorithms subtly influence the information children are exposed to every day.
1.2. The impact of AI on children
How AI supports children’s development
Personalized learning: AI can analyze a child’s learning process to identify whether they learn quickly or slowly, what they are good at, and where they need improvement. Based on this, the system suggests appropriate exercises and learning methods. For example, if a child has not yet mastered addition, AI can provide more practice until the child fully understands.Encouraging creativity: Generative AI tools, such as text-to-image drawing or short story generators, allow children to turn ideas into tangible products more easily. As a result, children are motivated to be creative without being limited by underdeveloped drawing or writing skills.
Early exposure to technology: Familiarity with AI from an early age helps children learn how to use technology proactively. Through this process, they gradually develop logical thinking, analytical skills, and step-by-step problem-solving abilities.
How AI may harm children’s independence and safety
Over-reliance and reduced critical thinking: This is the biggest concern. When children treat AI as a “problem solver” and wait for ready-made answers, they gradually lose the habit of thinking independently and finding solutions on their own. Excessive convenience reduces patience for reasoning.Risks of misinformation and deepfakes: AI can sometimes generate inaccurate information that appears well-structured and convincing, making it difficult for children to detect errors. Deepfake technology can also create highly realistic fake images and voices, posing risks of deception and cognitive confusion.
Loss of personal data: Most AI systems rely on collecting user data. This means children’s usage habits, preferences, and even their voices may be stored and exploited for commercial purposes if not properly controlled.
2. Why do parents need to proactively guide children in using AI?
Parental involvement in children’s AI use is not about control or restriction, but rather proactive education to ensure children develop comprehensively in a new technological environment.
2.1. Maintaining independence and self-directed learning
The most important goal is to help children remain independent. AI can provide rapid support, but improper use can gradually weaken self-reliance.Independence in thinking: If children always ask AI how to solve problems instead of analyzing them themselves, they will not learn patience or problem-solving skills.
Emotional independence: Excessive reliance on AI-powered devices for entertainment may make children less able to regulate emotions and more irritable or anxious when devices are unavailable.
Parents need to help children understand that AI is a tool to help them become better—not a replacement that does everything for them.
2.2. Building honesty and responsibility online
In the AI era, the line between “what I did” and “what the machine did” becomes blurred. Without guidance, children may easily copy AI-generated content and treat it as their own.Responsibility: Parents should teach children that using AI is acceptable, but they must clearly acknowledge which tools they used and take responsibility for the accuracy of the information.
Integrity: Children need to understand that AI should never be used to create harmful content, mock others online, or deceive people in any form.
2.3. Developing emotional intelligence (EQ) and real-life communication
When children spend too much time interacting with machines, direct human interaction decreases. However, skills such as empathy, emotional understanding, and conflict resolution can only be developed through real-life experiences. A lack of these interactions may negatively affect long-term EQ development.3. Five important points parents should keep in mind
3.1. Teach children to take full responsibility for using AI
Children need to understand that every action— even with AI support—has consequences. Independence means having the courage to act, accept responsibility, and learn from mistakes.Natural consequences: If a child uses AI to create a presentation without understanding the content, they may struggle when asked follow-up questions. This helps them realize that machines cannot learn on their behalf.
Logical consequences: If a child submits an assignment entirely written by AI, they may receive a low grade and be required to redo it independently. This reinforces the value of honesty and personal effort.
3.2. Let children learn how to question and evaluate AI answers
Instead of solving problems for children, parents should guide them to practice healthy skepticism and critical thinking toward AI-generated responses.A five-step process for verifying AI information:- Identify the issue: Ask, “Is this answer reliable? Does anything sound strange?”
- Check other sources: Encourage children to consult at least two reliable sources such as textbooks, school materials, or reputable educational websites.
- Compare and evaluate: Analyze the strengths (speed, idea generation) and weaknesses (possible errors, lack of depth) of AI answers.
- Apply and adjust: Revise AI information based on verified results.
- Reflect: Ask, “Could you ask AI differently to get a better answer next time?”
3.3. Assign age-appropriate “digital chores”
Just like household chores, digital responsibilities help children learn independence online.- Ages 4–6 (Building habits): Turning off devices properly and storing chargers after use.
- Ages 7–10 (Learning self-protection): Creating simple passwords with parental support and asking permission before downloading apps.
- Ages 11+ (Developing autonomy and ethics): Managing AI study time, using AI to summarize materials but explaining them independently, and checking privacy settings on social media.
3.4. Be a role model for wise technology use
Children learn more from what parents do than what they say.- Time management: Put phones away during meals or family time.
- Problem-solving: Demonstrate calm, step-by-step troubleshooting when technical issues arise.
- Honesty with AI: Explain how AI is used as a draft or support tool, while humans remain responsible for verification and final decisions.
3.5. Praise effort and encourage experimentation
Effective praise focuses on effort rather than just outcomes.- Acknowledge persistence: “I noticed you refined your AI question three times to get a better answer. I’m proud of your perseverance.”
- Encourage learning from mistakes: Instead of blaming, say: “Making mistakes when using AI is normal. What did you learn about verifying information?”
Sincere encouragement builds confidence and courage to explore responsibly.
4. Preparing children to become future digital citizens
AI is an indispensable technology of the future. With proper parental guidance, children can develop the ability to manage technology intelligently, responsibly, and independently in the digital world.If parents wish to learn more about Greenfield School’s educational philosophy and how students are taught to apply technology effectively in learning, they can register for a school tour HERE or contact the hotline 024-7309-3939 / 0911-008-567 to experience the learning environment firsthand, meet the advisory team, and witness students’ growth at Greenfield School.
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