What Does Growing Up With AI Mean for Our Children?

*This is a collaborative guest post

Children today are growing up in a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming part of everyday life. From the videos recommended on their favourite apps to chatbots that can answer questions, AI is already shaping how children learn, play, and communicate.

For parents, this raises some important questions. Will AI help children develop new skills, or could it make them less independent? And how can families help children enjoy the benefits of this technology without overlooking its risks?

How AI Is Changing Childhood

AI isn’t always something children actively choose to use. It can work quietly in the background of games, streaming platforms, search engines, and educational apps. Even young children may interact with AI without realising it.

As they grow older, they might start using chatbots to ask questions, get help with schoolwork, or come up with ideas for creative projects. Some may even turn to AI when they’re feeling worried or need advice.

According to UNICEF, children are adopting AI tools faster than adults. This means many young people are learning to use technology that their parents are still trying to understand.

Rather than treating AI as something that can simply be avoided—it isn’t always that simple—, families need to understand how it’s changing children’s experiences and what that means for their development.

The Benefits of Growing Up With AI

One benefit of AI is that it can make education more accessible. For instance, a child who struggles with a maths problem can ask the chatbot to explain it differently. Children can also explore subjects that interest them, practise foreign languages, and come up with ideas for stories or artwork.

Furthermore, AI can make education more flexible and provide help based on children’s individual needs. Depending on the application used, it may read the text aloud, simplify complex information, and provide alternative ways to access educational content.

Finally, there’s a chance to prepare kids for their future lives, when AI may be used in many jobs. Knowing how to work with these applications could be useful for them and help develop their tech skills.

Yet, having access to information doesn’t mean being able to understand it. Children need opportunities to tackle tasks, make mistakes, and find solutions to problems themselves. AI should support this process rather than replace children’s own thinking.

The Risks Parents Should Know About

While AI offers plenty of opportunities, it also comes with challenges that families shouldn’t ignore. For starters, AI doesn’t always provide accurate information. A chatbot can sound confident while giving a completely incorrect answer, and children may struggle to recognise these mistakes.

Privacy is another concern. Some AI tools collect information about their users, including what they ask and share. Children might reveal personal details without understanding how that information could be stored or used. That’s why online safety matters.

Parents can explore different ways to protect their family’s online privacy, including VPNs, and look out for offers such as a Black Friday VPN deal or a free antivirus trial.

There are emotional considerations, too. Some chatbots are designed to feel friendly and engaging, which might encourage children to treat them like real friends. However, AI can’t replace the care, understanding, and support children receive from trusted people.

Helping Children Use AI Responsibly

Parents don’t need to become technology experts to guide their children. A few everyday habits can help young people develop a healthier relationship with AI.

Start by talking openly about the tools they use. Ask what they enjoy, what they find useful, and whether they’ve ever received a strange answer. This helps children feel comfortable asking for guidance.

It’s also important to encourage critical thinking. Teach children to check information against reliable sources and remember that AI can hallucinate or make mistakes. They don’t have to accept every answer it provides.

Setting reasonable boundaries can help, too. Make sure AI doesn’t take over time for homework, outdoor play, hobbies, sleep, or family activities.

Finally, choose age-appropriate tools and check their privacy settings. Younger children need more supervision, while older children can gradually take greater responsibility as they learn to recognise potential risks.

Preparing Children for an AI-Powered Future

Growing up with AI doesn’t entail the loss of what it means to be a child. Kids must still have an opportunity to play, make friends, and learn by experience. It’s not about keeping kids away from AI; rather, it’s about teaching them the limitations of AI technology and when it’s time to consult a human being or human source first.

By keeping communication open and setting reasonable boundaries, parents can help their children use AI responsibly. Encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and a healthy balance between technology and everyday life will help kids make the most of AI without relying on it for everything.