Children, Young People and Artificial Intelligence: Why It Is Time to Start Talking About AI at School and at Home
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an integral part of our lives, and its influence on children and young people is becoming increasingly significant. While adults often discuss ethical issues, safety, or the impact of AI on the labor market, children and young people themselves are often overlooked in these debates. Yet they are the ones who will live in a world where AI will play a key role. A new report by Barnardos, “Exploring AI with Children and Young People,” and other recent studies show that it is high time to start talking openly with children about artificial intelligence—not only at school but also at home.
Children Want to Understand AI, but Schools Are Still Falling Behind
According to research cited by Seznam Zprávy, one-third of Czech students would like to learn more about artificial intelligence at school. Young people see AI as something that will fundamentally influence their future, and they want to be prepared for this change. At the same time, however, they often lack sufficient information about how AI works, what its possibilities and risks are, or how to use it safely and responsibly. The Barnardos report confirms that a similar situation exists in other European countries. Children and young people are interested in AI, but feel that they lack the necessary knowledge and skills. Schools have so far been slow to respond to this trend—AI education is often marginal, focuses mainly on technical aspects, and lacks an emphasis on ethics, safety, and critical thinking.
In its report, Barnardos emphasizes that education about artificial intelligence should be comprehensive. It is not enough to explain how AI works from a technical perspective. Children and young people also need to understand how AI affects their everyday lives—from algorithms on social media and personalized advertising to smart assistants on their phones. It is also essential to talk openly about the risks: privacy protection, data security, the possibility of manipulation, or negative effects on mental health. Children should be able to recognize when AI is being used fairly and when it may be misused. That is precisely why it is important to develop their critical thinking and their ability to ask questions.
Involving Children in the Discussion
One of the main messages of the Barnardos report is the need to actively involve children and young people in discussions about AI. As the World Economic Forum (WEF) also points out, children often have an original perspective on technology, and their experiences can be a valuable resource for developers, educators, and policymakers. If we give them space to express their opinions, concerns, and ideas, we can better understand how AI actually affects their lives. Experiences from workshops and discussions organized by Barnardos show that children are very capable of identifying both the benefits and the risks of AI. At the same time, however, they often feel that adults do not listen to their voices. That is precisely why it is important to create a safe environment where children can ask questions, share their experiences, and learn not only from adults but also from one another.
AI is already affecting the everyday lives of children and young people—whether through recommendation algorithms on YouTube, personalized advertising on Instagram, or smart assistants on mobile phones. Many children, however, do not realize how these technologies work or how they can influence their decision-making, perception of reality, or relationships with others. The Barnardos report therefore recommends that AI education should also focus on practical situations: How can you recognize a deepfake video? How can you protect your privacy online? How can you avoid being manipulated by algorithms that feed us tailored content? These are precisely the skills that will become increasingly important in the digital world.
A Challenge for Schools, Parents, and Creators
The conclusions of the Barnardos report and other studies are clear: education about artificial intelligence must be a priority. It is not enough to rely on children to “somehow learn on their own” how to use AI. They need to be provided with quality information, their critical thinking needs to be developed, and they must be given space to actively participate in the discussion. Schools should include AI education in their curricula—not only in computer science but also in civics, ethics, or media literacy. Parents should talk openly with their children about AI, take an interest in their experiences, and help them navigate the digital world. And creators should listen to the voices of young people and involve them in decision-making about the future of technology.
Artificial intelligence is here to stay and will become increasingly important. It is up to us to help children and young people become informed, responsible, and confident users of this technology.
