(NewsNation) — Young children are increasingly engaging with artificial intelligence, a study shows, and data suggests it could be influencing how they learn.
According to Common Sense Media, 30% of parents with children under the age of 9 report their child has used AI for learning. One in four parents say it enhances their child’s critical thinking skills, and 39% say their child is using AI to study school-related material. Only 8% of parents say their children use AI to learn about AI itself.
More than 60% of parents told researchers they saw no impact on their child’s critical thinking, and nearly the same percentage reported no effect on their child’s overall well-being. About 20% of parents believe AI has a positive impact on creativity, highlighting a divide in how families view AI’s role in children’s development.
Some AI platforms block users under 18
Most platforms like OpenAI’s chat-GPT or Google’s Gemini require users to be over 13 years old, with some like Anthropic’s Claude blocking anyone under 18.
Experts caution that children are at the forefront of a digital transition we’re still trying to fully understand. There are concerns about the lack of clear guidelines for helping young people navigate a world increasingly influenced by AI.
Last year, a Florida teen took his own life after reportedly becoming emotionally involved with a “Game of Thrones”-inspired AI chatbot. The boy’s mother has since filed a lawsuit against the AI’s creators.