A double-edged sword for children
The AI revolution
It is challenging to maximise AI's benefits for children's education and growth, while also ensuring their privacy, healthy development and emotional well-being.
In just two years, artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly transformed, with tools like ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Microsoft’s Copilot becoming a part of daily life. Meta has also integrated AI chatbots into platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram.However, this AI-powered world presents both exciting opportunities and concerns, particularly for children, warns Anna Collard, SVP at KnowBe4 AFRICA.
“These AI tools offer immense opportunities for creativity, learning, and problem-solving, allowing children to create art, compose music, and learn languages interactively,” says Collard. However, she cautions that AI poses significant risks, such as privacy concerns, misinformation, and psychological effects. Parents, educators, and policymakers need to carefully consider these challenges.
One major concern is privacy. Chatbots collect user data, which may be used without proper consent, creating privacy violations. Collard notes that chatbots can track conversations and behaviours, building detailed profiles of child users. These profiles could potentially be exploited for manipulation or spreading misinformation.
Overtrust
Another issue is overtrust. Children may develop emotional connections with chatbots and place too much trust in them. “This overtrust effect can lead to poor decision-making and a reduction in critical thinking,” explains Collard. Children relying too much on AI may also reduce face-to-face interactions.
Inaccurate information is another problem. AI chatbots can sometimes "hallucinate" answers when unsure, leading to incorrect responses, which can range from wrong homework solutions to inaccurate health advice.
Collard warns that AI can expose children to harmful content, such as deepfake images, or influence them in unhealthy ways. Overuse of AI can also lead to reduced social interactions, anxiety, and a decline in critical thinking skills, similar to the effects of excessive social media use.
Until safeguards are in place, Collard urges parents to monitor their children’s AI usage and encourage offline activities to boost self-esteem and critical-thinking skills.
– Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KnowBe4.