The real irony of this blog post is me sitting at my computer typing this thinking “How many people reading this are going to think AI wrote it for her?”. That’s the question we should be asking about most of the things we see online these days because artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer the stuff of Hollywood movies like iRobot, The Matrix, or The Terminator. It is very much here, and it’s reshaping the way all of us live, learn, and communicate. For children and adolescents, the effects of AI are profound, spanning both positive opportunities and lots of challenges. As the CEO of the Community Child Guidance Clinic (and a mom to three boys aged 11, 12, and 13), I’ve had a front-row seat to the way AI is influencing young minds. Through this blog, I’ll explore how AI is impacting our kids, share some practical advice, and even sprinkle in a true story from the Bellenoit household.
AI: A Double-Edged Sword for Young Minds
AI is transforming education, entertainment, and even social interactions for kids. On the positive side, tools like adaptive learning platforms and language-learning apps use AI to personalize educational experiences. For instance, programs like Khan Academy and Duolingo adapt to a child’s pace and learning style, making education more accessible and engaging. Programs like IXL (which we use in our school!) cover multiple subjects and offer adaptive practice with analytics to help identify the strengths and weaknesses of each student.
But there’s a flip side. AI-driven algorithms also power pervasive social media platforms and video recommendation systems. These tools, while entertaining, can lead to overexposure, reduced attention spans, and even mental health concerns. The same technology that can teach your child algebra can also send them down a rabbit hole of endless TikTok videos (or YouTube shorts in our house- insert mom eye-roll here!). The key is striking a balance and fostering awareness.
The Day the AI Came Home
One day this fall, shortly after school had started up again, my 12-year-old, the self-proclaimed tech guru of the family (he’s not wrong), declared he had found “the coolest AI ever.” He introduced both of his brothers to an AI chatbot called ChatGPT. Within minutes, the three of them were peppering it with questions ranging from “Who would win in a fight, a coyote or Mac (one of our dogs)?” to “Can you do my math homework?”
My 11-year-old, who never met a shortcut he didn’t love, was all smiles as he was able to enter each of his math problems into ChatGPT and get the answer instantly, including “showing his work”. My conversation with him was that while ChatGPT is certainly helpful when it comes to getting math done quickly, it takes away the need for him to understand the process of solving the problem, which is what 5th grade math is really all about anyway. My 13-year-old, ever the skeptic, typical firstborn rule-following kid, decided to test the ChatGPT’s “intelligence” by feeding it riddles (spoiler: It did pretty well, much to his dismay). The ever-pervasive “friend” most of us have in our house, Alexa, is another great example of AI. The boys love to play “Akinator” with her when they’re having breakfast before school in the morning, and despite having played for months and months, are still shocked every time she guesses who they are correctly. (If you haven’t played this with her, I encourage you to give it a try, it really is pretty amazing.)
They attempted to create a “virtual assistant” for our household/family chores. While their effort was creative, ChatGPT couldn’t quite figure out how to “convince” our dogs, Stella and Mac, to stop howling at every person and animal that walked by our house from our window seat in the kitchen. It quickly became clear that while AI could provide entertainment and learning opportunities, it couldn’t replace critical thinking or responsibility (or human interaction!).
This playful experiment sparked an important conversation about how AI should be used. We talked about ethical considerations, like not using AI to plagiarize homework or spread misinformation, and discussed its limitations. I also fully recognize that, like most things in the parenting world, this was not a “one and done” conversation. We will continue to talk about the boys’ use of different AI platforms as they move into their high school years.
Practical Advice for Parents and Educators
If you’re navigating the AI world with kids or teens, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Teach Digital Literacy: Help children understand what AI is and how it works. Explain that while AI can provide helpful answers, it’s not always correct or unbiased.
- Set Boundaries: Establish clear guidelines for AI use. For example, make it a rule that AI can assist with homework but not do it entirely. It should always be used as a “diving board” as we call it in our house, it gives you a chance to jump into the water, but can’t swim for you.
- Monitor Screen Time: Encourage breaks and balance AI use with offline activities, like reading (real, old-fashioned books!), playing outside and creative activities like coloring, drawing or building. Lots of apps have the ability to limit the timing of their usage, and can be monitored from other devices.
- Foster Critical Thinking: Teach kids to question the information they receive, even from AI. Encourage them to cross-check facts and think independently.
- Focus on Collaboration: Highlight how AI can be a tool to enhance learning and creativity, rather than replacing effort. For instance, kids can use AI to brainstorm ideas for a school project but should do the actual work themselves. Encourage them to dive head first off the diving board, but then start swimming!
The Bigger Picture: AI’s Role in Mental Health
As a mental health professional, I’m particularly attuned to how AI impacts the emotional well-being of children and teens. AI-driven apps like Calm and Headspace can promote mindfulness and help manage anxiety. On the flip side, excessive reliance on AI—whether for entertainment, social interaction, or problem-solving—can erode self-confidence and foster dependency.
Social media, heavily influenced by AI algorithms, deserves special mention. Platforms use AI to curate content that keeps users engaged, but this can lead to addictive behaviors and feelings of inadequacy when kids compare themselves to others (adults, too!). It’s vital to equip children with tools to navigate these challenges, such as fostering open conversations about social media’s impact and encouraging digital detoxes. Everyday Health has a great article about how to do this in a gentle way.
AI in the Classroom: The Future of Education
In schools, AI is a game-changer. It can identify gaps in learning, offer personalized tutoring, and even assist children with disabilities. However, there’s a need for caution. Over-reliance on AI tools can diminish essential skills like problem-solving and creativity. Educators should use AI as a supplement, not a substitute, for traditional teaching methods.
For example, imagine a history lesson where students use AI to simulate historical events or debate ethical dilemmas. This approach can make learning dynamic and engaging while still requiring critical thinking and participation.
Conclusion: Embracing AI with Care
AI is neither a villain nor a savior; it’s simply another tool we should all be adding to our kit. Like any tool, its impact depends on how we use it. For children and adolescents, AI holds immense potential to enhance learning, creativity, and even mental health. However, it also poses risks that require thoughtful navigation.
As parents, educators, and mental health professionals, we need to guide the next generation in using AI responsibly. By teaching digital literacy, setting boundaries, and fostering critical thinking, we can empower kids to harness AI’s benefits while avoiding its pitfalls.
As for my boys, they’re becoming well-seasoned AI users—though the ChatGPT’s inability to stop Mac & Stella’s constant alarm barking has humbled and frustrated them. We’re all learning together, one riddle and math problem at a time, and that’s the beauty of navigating this brave new world. We get to do it together- Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials, Gen Yers, iGens, and even Gen Alphas!
