Talking to Kids About Using AI Responsibly for Schoolwork: A Guide for Parents

In the forthcoming academic year, it’s increasingly likely that students will leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to assist with their schoolwork. A survey by Pew Research Center in 2024 revealed that 26% of teenagers aged between 13 and 17 had utilized AI chatbots for academic purposes, a figure which may have grown since then given the growing prevalence of such tools.

As an educator, I refer to this practice as academic dishonesty. The primary concern is that it impedes students’ learning opportunities. Unfortunately, existing tools to detect AI-generated content are often unreliable, making it difficult for teachers to identify whether a student has engaged in this practice during assessments.

This highlights the importance of open conversations between parents and their children regarding appropriate and inappropriate use of AI during their studies.

Robbie Torney, senior director for AI programs at Common Sense Media, advises parents to encourage their children to utilize AI as a learning aid rather than a shortcut. The goal should be fostering intellectual growth, not relying on AI to complete assignments.

AI can indeed serve as a valuable resource. It can clarify complex concepts and help students overcome obstacles in their understanding. However, the primary focus should remain on original thought and effort.

AI can also stimulate idea generation. While it’s helpful for brainstorming, students must then engage in independent thinking and writing to demonstrate their comprehension.

Emphasizing the importance of these guidelines is crucial. “Our brains are like a muscle,” Torney explains, “children won’t learn skills unless they practice them.” It’s best to establish these boundaries before children begin using AI and then regularly check in to ensure they’re not replacing learning with technology.

AI-generated content can contain inaccuracies, often referred to as hallucinations. For instance, chatbots might provide incorrect or misleading information about certain topics. It’s essential, therefore, to teach children how to verify the information they receive. One method is to compare school materials with AI-generated data on similar subjects.

Parents don’t need a deep understanding of AI to guide their children effectively. “You don’t have to be an AI expert to help your kids use AI wisely,” Torney says, “staying involved in asking questions and doing the exploration together can teach them the skills they’ll need for the future.”

The prevalence of AI is likely to persist. As Torney notes, accessing information through AI interfaces is becoming increasingly common among children, much like online research has already become mainstream.

It’s also crucial to educate children about the limitations of AI. They should not seek personal advice or share private information with chatbots. Younger children may struggle to differentiate between reality and artificial intelligence, potentially leading them to perceive AI as a real person or friend.

There are concerns that AI, trained to engage in romantic conversations, could inappropriately interact with children or provide harmful advice, encourage dangerous thinking, or even replace human relationships. Therefore, it’s advisable to remind children that AI is not human and should not be treated as such.

Moreover, children must understand the risks associated with sharing personal information through chatbots. For example, if a child shares an image of their home, it could potentially be used within the training set and shared with other users. It’s vital to emphasize the importance of privacy when using AI tools.

Lastly, establish clear family rules regarding the use of AI. Allow its use in communal areas but restrict it from private spaces like bedrooms where supervision might be lacking. Establish tech-free times such as meal times and before bedtime, when no one should be on technology.

With the growing ubiquity of AI in academic settings, understanding how to use it effectively becomes a necessary life skill for our children. This necessitates teaching them to employ AI as a learning aid rather than a replacement for their own efforts and critical thinking. Additionally, they must learn to question everything an AI provides and understand its limitations.