Age-Specific Guidance for Children and Artificial Intelligence, According to a Computer Science Teacher

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Artificial intelligence is already so integrated into children’s lives that they may not even think of it as a separate concept from the “Internet” or “computer.” It is their digital minion, their planning partner, encyclopedia, creative tool, and homework helper. Because we know that children of all ages are using AI, parents need to make sure they are aware of both the benefits and risks.

How young children can use AI in elementary school

Young children are typically introduced to AI through age-appropriate educational games, interactive apps, and learning platforms that use AI to personalize content. These games and platforms can use chatbots or virtual tutors to adaptively guide students in lessons. And when they take standardized tests in school, those tests are likely adaptive, meaning they use AI to tailor students’ test questions to the most appropriate level of difficulty based on previous answers.

AsLetitia Barr , a high school computer science teacher and technology, education and parenting blogger, said, AI image generators (used under supervision) can help children visualize things that only exist in their imagination.

“AI technologies can promote creativity and imagination. Image generators, for example, can transform text ideas into fantastical and increasingly realistic images and combine artistic vision with any level of creative talent,” Barr said.

You can help kids get used to the ubiquity of artificial intelligence technology by pointing out to them when an advanced computer process is creating something personalized for them, even on sites like YouTube or TikTok, which use algorithms to tailor the videos they’re shown. Explain that before the advent of AI programming, these processes were typically performed by humans. Help them understand the difference between human thinking and the programmed process of aggregating inputs and reproducing information or actions in a human way.

Teenagers and artificial intelligence

As homework and independent learning become more important, teens are more likely to use AI to help with on-demand homework, Barr said. In middle grades, their research becomes more complex and they can use AI to synthesize ideas or explain concepts.

“The most effective way to use AI as a tool for school work is as an explanation machine, not as an answering machine,” Barr said.

It reminds me of the early days of Wikipedia. We warned students from high school to college never to trust this source of information as reliable. Over the past 20 years, we’ve come to see Wikipedia as a way to quickly understand a topic (with the caveat that serious fact-checking is required before any understanding is included in your dissertation).

Children this age can also learn to code on their own; they don’t just use AI as a tool for education or entertainment, they use AI for their own contributions to technology.

Teens are starting to see themselves as digital citizens, so now is a good time to highlight privacy, security and the impact of AI on society. Again, they should never share personal, identifying information online, even with friendly chatbots. Pay attention to what platforms or apps they use to access AI and help them differentiate between age-appropriate and unsafe resources.

Risks and benefits of AI for teenagers

Teenagers may be the group most vulnerable to AI misuse or negative consequences. Teachers and parents are concerned about AI cheating with artificially generated reports and essays or access to chatbots during testing.

“I would be wary of trying to use any GenAI tools like ChatGPT for any purpose, since it’s just a chatbot simulating a real conversation with a human,” Barr said. “It may be wrong or deceptive. It is better to teach children to find and use artificial intelligence tools designed for specific purposes, such as image or voice generators, educational applications, etc.”

Teens are also vulnerable to bullying based on images generated by artificial intelligence, which can be difficult to detect. The more teens use social media, the more likely they are to be exposed to AI-generated content.

Focus your conversations about AI on ethics and skepticism. Emphasize that it is unethical to use AI to distort the understanding of an academic concept or reality. Remind teens that everything produced by artificial intelligence—whether it’s funny photos on social media or an explanation of the Cold War—should be fact-checked.

“Every technology has risks and rewards,” Barr said. “Students should be aware that the risk is that AI chatbots can often provide incorrect information, and not all AI is designed for educational purposes. If children want to use AI in their studies, they need to use AI platforms that are specifically designed for education and provide high-quality learning experiences enhanced by purpose-built AI.”

Demonizing artificial intelligence solely because of its risks will deprive teenagers of many of its benefits. Remind teens of all the ethical and constructive ways AI can make their lives easier if used responsibly:

  • Combine study materials and create flashcards and quizzes.

  • Create a study plan based on your workload and free time.

  • To help them achieve a goal such as applying to college or learning a new language.

  • Find out more about their interests and hobbies.

  • Enrich your creativity by creating images, music or videos.

“Since students don’t always know how to start studying for a test or exam, AI can help guide them and become better organized,” Barr said.

At any age, the use of AI should be a joint effort between children, parents and educators.

“By working together, children can learn to find the right AI tools to help them gather information, gain deeper understanding, or organize their learning,” Barr said. “For example, there are artificial intelligence applications that can help students organize their thoughts before writing an essay. AI tools can help students understand the essence of writing, then brainstorm and create an outline. AI can also help students plan exam preparation sessions to better organize their learning experience.”

To learn more about how to support your child in the world of artificial intelligence, visit these resources:

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