As more students in the UK start using generative AI, Dr. Robert Harrison, Director of Education and Integrated Technology at ACS International Schools, shares some practical tips to help parents guide their children’s use of AI responsibly.
Dr. Harrison’s advice will ensure that children are using AI in a thoughtful and ethical way.
Be cautious
It may seem obvious, but it’s important to remind your children to be careful when using AI. Although AI is widely used, it’s still evolving and learning every day. Make sure your kids are aware of privacy concerns and encourage them not to share personal information like their address or financial details. It’s crucial to understand that when a service is free, it often means that data is the real product. Anything shared with public AI could be stored, accessed, or used by others.
Stay honest, and encourage your child to do the same
Teaching integrity is essential, especially in a world where AI plays a larger role. Have conversations with your children about how they’re using AI in their schoolwork. Familiarize yourself with school policies on academic honesty and AI usage. It’s important to prevent AI from replacing the learning process. Instead, explore how AI can enhance creativity, cater to different learning styles, and personalize education. Discuss with teachers how they ensure assessments are fair and genuine. Let your child know that relying on AI to do the work means cheating the learning experience. Also, be aware that many AI tools have age restrictions in their user agreements.
Apply critical thinking
The need for critical thinking is growing in a world full of AI. Help your child understand that AI can make mistakes, even if the answers seem convincing. In simple terms, AI solves complex statistical problems quickly, but it cannot generate new ideas or always provide accurate information. It also struggles with context, relationships, and ethics. Teach your children to be critical of AI-generated content, like images or videos, and to question the information they find online. This skill will be essential as society grapples with what’s real and what’s true.
Remember what it means to be ‘human’
AI can be dangerous, and although “killer robots” are still a thing of science fiction, AI has already led to tragedies, particularly among vulnerable young people. Help your child understand that AI is not human. Digital “friends” might seem harmless but can be dangerous or untrustworthy. While AI can mimic emotions, it often lacks a moral compass. Many AI systems, like other online platforms, are designed to keep you engaged to generate revenue through data mining and advertising. If you’re using AI for educational purposes, ensure that humans are still involved in the process.
Embrace the technology
Finally, don’t be afraid to embrace the potential of AI. It’s here to stay, and there’s a lot to gain from using it in education, business, and daily life. Explore AI together with your family and learn how it works. Approach it with cautious optimism and use it responsibly to your child’s benefit. Becoming proficient in prompt engineering and improving language skills are just a couple of ways AI can be a valuable tool. You can also save time on tasks, allowing more time to nurture relationships and enjoy quality time with your family. After all, the best use of AI is in making life better and more enjoyable.
