An Age-by-age Guide to Kids and AI, According to a Human Computer Science Teacher
Artificial intelligence is already so integrated into kids' lives, they may not even think of it as a distinct concept from “internet” or “computer.” It is their digital minion, their planning partner, an encyclopedia, a creative tool, and a homework assistant. Since we know kids of all ages are using AI, it falls upon parents to ensure they are aware of both the benefits and the risks.
How younger kids can use AI in elementary school
Little kids 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 may use a chatbot or virtual tutor to adaptively guide students through lessons. And when they take standardized tests at school, those tests are likely adaptive, meaning they use AI to tailor students’ test questions to the most suitable difficulty level based on prior responses.
As Leticia Barr, a middle school computer science teacher and technology, education, and parenting blogger said, AI image generators (used with supervision) can help children visualize things that only exist in their imaginations.
“AI tech can foster creativity and imagination. Image generators, for example, can translate text-based ideas into fantastical and increasingly realistic images and bridge artistic vision with any level of creative talent,” Barr said.
You can help kids get used to the ubiquity of AI technology by pointing out when an advanced computer process is creating something personalized for them, even on something like YouTube or TikTok, which uses algorithms to tailor the videos they're shown. Explain that these processes would typically have been performed by humans before AI programming developed. Help them understand the difference between human thinking and the programmed process of aggregating input and reproducing information or actions in a way that is human-like.
Tweens and AI
As homework and independent study become a bigger deal, tweens are more likely to use AI for on-demand homework help, Barr said. In the middle grade years, their research becomes more complex, and they may use AI to synthesize ideas or explain concepts.
“The most effective way students can use AI as a tool for their school work is as an explanation machine, as opposed to an answer machine,” Barr said.
This reminds me of the early days of Wikipedia. We were warning students from middle school to college to never trust it as a reliable source. In the last 20 years, we’ve come to accept Wikipedia as a way to get a quick understanding of a topic (with the caveat that serious fact checking is required before any of that understanding is incorporated into your dissertation).
Kids this age may also be learning to code on their own; they are not just using AI as a tool to teach or entertain them, they are wielding AI in their own contributions to technology.
Tweens are starting to get a sense of themselves as digital citizens, making this a good time to emphasize privacy, security, and the impact of AI on society. Reiterate that they should never share personal, identifying information online, even with friendly chatbots. Pay attention to what platforms or apps they are using to access AI, and help them distinguish between age-appropriate resources and unsafe resources.
Risks and benefits of AI for teens
Teens may be the group most vulnerable to misusing or facing negative consequences of AI. Teachers and parents are both worried about AI-driven cheating with artificially generated reports and essays or access to chatbots during testing.
“I’d be cautious of trying to use any GenAI tools, such as ChatGPT, for everything since it’s simply a chatbot that mimics an actual conversation with a human,” Barr said. “It can be wrong or deceitful. It’s better to teach kids how to find and use AI tools designed for specific purposes, such as image or voice generators, learning apps, etc.”
Teens are also vulnerable to bullying based on AI-generated images, which can be difficult to detect. The more teens use social media, the more likely they are to encounter AI-generated content.
Focus your conversations about AI on ethics and skepticism. Emphasize that it is unethical to use AI to misrepresent either their understanding of an academic concept or to misrepresent reality. Remind teens to assume that anything generated by AI—whether it’s funny photos on social media or an explanation of the Cold War—must be fact-checked.
“With any technology comes risks and rewards," Barr said. "A risk students must be aware of is that AI chatbots can often provide incorrect information, and not all AI is meant for educational purposes. If kids want to use AI for their schoolwork, they need to use AI platforms that are specifically designed for education and provide high quality learning experiences elevated by purpose-built AI."
Demonizing AI entirely because of the risks will cut teens off from its many benefits. Remind teens of all the ethical and constructive ways AI can make life easier for them if used responsibly:
To aggregate study materials and create flashcards and quizzes.
To generate a study plan based on their course load and available time.
To help them work toward a goal like completing college applications or learning a new language.
To learn in more depth about their interests and hobbies.
To enrich their 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 get better organized,” Barr said.
At any age, using AI should be a collaborative effort between kids, parents, and (human) educators.
“By working together, children can learn how to find the right AI tools that can help them gather information, seek deeper understanding, or organize their learning,” Barr said. “For example, there are AI apps that can help students organize their thoughts before writing an essay. AI tools can help students understand the writing prompt, then brainstorm, and create an outline. AI can also help students plan a test prep study session to better organize the learning process."
To learn more about how to support your child as they navigate the world of AI, check out these resources:
Common Sense Media reviews tools for teaching about artificial intelligence and classroom tools that use AI.
An open-source curriculum on the ethics of AI for middle school from an MIT researcher
Science Friday explores AI for kids with chatbots
A developmental-behavioral pediatrician writes about the risks and benefits of AI for kids at healthychildren.org.