Should Our Kids Be Using ChatGPT and other AI apps?

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT have become increasingly accessible to people of all ages—including children. This development has sparked important conversations among parents, educators, and technology experts about the benefits and potential drawbacks of allowing young people to engage with AI chatbots. As these technologies become more integrated into daily life, understanding their impact on children’s cognitive development, education, and digital literacy has never been more crucial.

Understanding AI Tools and Their Appeal to Children

ChatGPT and similar large language models represent a significant advancement in how we interact with technology. Unlike traditional search engines that return lists of results, these AI assistants provide conversational responses that can feel remarkably human-like. For children, this interactive quality makes these tools particularly engaging and accessible.

Many young people are drawn to AI chatbots because they offer immediate, personalised responses to questions. Whether they’re seeking homework help, creative writing assistance, or simply curious about various topics, the conversational nature of these tools creates an experience that can feel more supportive and less intimidating than traditional research methods.

Educational Benefits

When used thoughtfully, AI tools can offer significant educational advantages. Students can use ChatGPT to:

• Get explanations of difficult concepts in simpler terms
• Brainstorm ideas for projects and assignments
• Receive instant feedback on writing
• Explore topics of interest beyond the classroom curriculum
• Practise foreign language skills through conversation

Research from the University of Oxford suggests that AI tools, when integrated appropriately into education, can enhance personalised learning experiences and help address diverse learning needs.

Potential Concerns

Despite these benefits, legitimate concerns exist about children’s use of AI chatbots:

Academic Integrity

One of the most significant concerns relates to academic honesty. When students can generate essays or complete homework assignments with minimal effort, important learning opportunities may be lost. Professor Mark Anderson of the Centre for Learning and Teaching notes that “critical thinking skills develop through engagement with challenging material—if AI does all the heavy lifting, these crucial skills may remain underdeveloped.”

Information Accuracy

AI models like ChatGPT occasionally produce incorrect information or “hallucinations” that sound plausible but are factually wrong. Children, who are still developing critical thinking skills, may struggle to identify these inaccuracies. Digital literacy experts at the National Literacy Trust emphasise that teaching children to verify information from multiple sources remains essential in the age of AI.

Privacy and Safety Considerations

Many AI tools collect user data, raising questions about children’s privacy. Additionally, while companies implement content moderation safeguards to prevent harmful content, these systems aren’t foolproof. Parents should be aware that inappropriate content can occasionally slip through content filters.

Finding the Right Balance

Rather than viewing AI use as a binary yes-or-no decision, experts suggest taking a nuanced approach focused on appropriate boundaries and guidance:

Age-Appropriate Supervision

Younger children benefit from more direct supervision when using AI tools. Julia Robertson, child development specialist at the Royal Society for Public Health, recommends that “parents sit alongside younger children when they’re using AI chatbots, making it a collaborative rather than solitary activity.”

Teaching Critical Evaluation Skills

Perhaps most importantly, children need to develop the ability to critically evaluate AI-generated information. Educators at the Cambridge Assessment suggest incorporating lessons that specifically address how to fact-check AI responses and understand the limitations of these technologies.

Setting Clear Parameters

Establishing guidelines about when and how AI tools are appropriate can help prevent overreliance. Many schools are developing acceptable use policies that specify when AI assistance is permitted versus when independent work is expected.

Expert Recommendations

Educational technology researchers generally agree that the most effective approach involves teaching children to use AI as a tool rather than a replacement for their own thinking. Dr Sarah Hughes of the Education Endowment Foundation notes that “when students learn to prompt AI effectively and then critically evaluate its responses, they’re developing valuable skills that will serve them well in a future where AI is increasingly prevalent.”

The Chartered College of Teaching has published guidance for educators on integrating AI tools into classroom practice, emphasising the importance of teaching AI literacy alongside traditional subjects.

Looking Forward

As AI technology continues to evolve, so too will our understanding of its role in children’s lives. What seems clear is that complete prohibition is neither practical nor beneficial. Instead, teaching children to become thoughtful, ethical users of AI technology represents the most promising path forward.

The question isn’t simply whether children should use ChatGPT, but rather how we can guide them to use it wisely—as one tool among many in their learning journey. By fostering open conversations about AI’s capabilities and limitations, we can help prepare young people to navigate a world where such technologies will inevitably play an increasingly significant role.

For parents looking for practical guidance, resources from Internet Matters and the NSPCC offer valuable insights into creating healthy digital habits for children of all ages.

As we continue to explore this new frontier, maintaining an evidence-based approach to children’s technology use will help ensure that we’re maximising benefits while minimising potential harms.

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Thought for the day:

“Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.”    Ralph Waldo Emerson