AI Isn't Going Anywhere. We Must Help Kids Embrace It Safely

AI’s impact is already being felt across the world – from businesses and universities to our homes and personal lives. It’s an understatement to describe this technological shift as anything other than a revolution. As a parent to two young women, I’ve grappled with the issue of technology and its impact on them. As my daughters grew up, I wanted to encourage them to engage with technology and realise the amazing potential it can bring.But I also had to ensure there was a balance between learning new skills that would unlock their future career opportunities and the dreaded fear of “too much screen time” as well as an over-dependence on technology at theexpense of other skills.AI is here to stay. For our children’s generation, its impact will be profound, shaping how they learn and the decisions they make about their future career journeys. This is clear in the findings of a recent global study KPMG International, published in partnership with the University of Melbourne, which surveyed more than 48,000 people across 47 countries on their adoption and trust of AI. The research found that AI is already central to young people’s education, with almost all (92%) students using AI in their studies – and many doing so frequently. The majority (83%) of students also use AI for personal, non-study related purposes, demonstrating its broad influence. Students told us they find benefits from AI such as increased efficiency, and reducing stress and pressure. Yet while the benefits are clear, the research also reveals legitimate concerns. A concerning majority (75%) of students admit they can’t complete their work without AI, suggesting a potential over-reliance. Meanwhile, over half of students report relying on AI to do something rather than learning how to do it, raising concerns about how they develop critical thinking skills. For parents and caregivers, it can feel like a minefield – and it’s particularly challenging when it’s new technology which our kids often understand far better than we do. So, what can we do to ensure our kids are learning key skills for the future and remaining safe?Regardless of your own knowledge on and understanding of AI, there are three basic first steps we can all take today.1. Have open conversationsStart early and have open conversations about AI. Explain what it is, how it’s used, and its potential benefits and risks. Encourage your child to ask questions and express their concerns. 2. Encourage AI skills developmentSeek out age-appropriate AI tools that have the right guardrails in place to empower you and your child to learn and embrace AI without the risks. This could involve using educational AI apps or games that teach basic programming concepts or problem-solving skills. 3. Teach your child about critical thinking and evaluationEmphasise the importance of verifying information from multiple sources and understanding that AI is a tool, not a source of infallible truth. Discuss the ethical implications of AI in an accessible and child-friendly way. By embracing open communication, fostering critical thinking, and promoting ethical awareness, we can help our children harness the power of AI for good while mitigating its potential risks. The AI revolution is here, but there’s a role for parents and caregivers to play in educating children on the risks and embracing the opportunities for the next generation.Lisa Heneghan is Chief Digital Officer at KPMG International.Related...'Help! Devices Are Destroying My Kids And My Marriage'Kids Keeping Saying 'Six-Seven' And Nobody Seems To Know What It MeansEverything We Believe About Kids And Phones Might Be Wrong, Study Finds

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