Artificial Intelligence (AI) is technology that can perform complex tasks normally associated with human intelligence.

If you have unlocked your phone using facial recognition, used Alexa or Siri, looked at Netflix’s recommendations for what to watch next, or tried popular platforms like Co-Pilot or ChatGPT, then you have used AI.

How Children and Young People are Using it

Children are trying AI too, with around half now using it.

There’s an ‘AI usage gap’ with children from more affluent households more likely to have used AI, and children in urban areas more likely to have used it than those in rural areas.

Children have reported using it for the following reasons:

• For fun (48%)
• For school (45%)
• To learn (45%)
• Or just to try it (31%) (Ofcom)

Benefits & Challenges

There are both potential benefits and challenges to children and young people using AI, including (but not limited to):

Potential Benefits

• Supports personalised learning, giving instant answers
• Encourages creativity and imagination
• Supports imaginative play and exploration, such as writing stories or generating art
• Can provide extra support for children with specific needs, such as ADHD or autism

Potential Challenges

• Overreliance on AI / exposure to misinformation
• Reduced social interaction, impacting development
• Exposure to harmful or biased content (including discriminatory material)
• Privacy and data protection concerns
• AI-generated explicit ‘deepfake’ content, such as nudification tools

Understanding AI

It’s important that staff working with young people have a foundational understanding of AI, so they can help them navigate the opportunities and risks. Learning opportunities include:

• What is AI? – A free, interactive platform from the Good Things Foundation to help people build confidence and understanding around AI.
• Learn Essential AI Skills – Training from Google, offering an introduction to AI and how it can be used in the workplace.

Websites & Resources

• Using AI Safely – Practical information from Internet Matters on AI for families.
• AI Safety Tips for Parents – Advice for parents from the NSPCC on helping children use AI safely.
• AI Resources – Childnet’s resources on supporting children’s engagement with AI.
• AI Movies, Books, Podcasts – A list of engaging media to generate classroom discussions on AI.
• Children’s Rights and AI – Insights into how children view their rights in an AI driven world.
• Teach AI Literacy – A comprehensive guide for Scottish educators on teaching and talking about AI.

You can download our Artificial Intelligence resource so you have all of this information to hand:

Aye Mind newsletter – Artificial Intelligence

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