How can Irish parents help their children navigate the world of AI?
New research from the Vodafone Ireland Foundation shows that almost one in two children under 18 in Ireland are using AI. They use it for finding information (68%), entertainment (58%), creating content (54%), getting advice (36%), and schoolwork (30%).
Two thirds of parents of 11 to 14 year olds worry about their children receiving inaccurate or misleading information from AI. Over half (53%) believe their child does not have enough education about it, and 52% are concerned about online safety risks such as scams, grooming, and cyberbullying.
These figures point to a growing challenge for families as AI becomes more embedded in daily life. Some 68% of parents do not believe their child is equipped to navigate AI safely and responsibly. This is all the more concerning given that three in four adults in Ireland (74%) say technology is evolving faster than they can keep up with.
So, with adults struggling to keep pace, how can children engage with evolving technology safely and responsibly? Clinical psychologist Dr David Coleman has some grounded advice.
What does AI mean for a child's learning and development?
Although research lags far behind the ever-evolving technologies, early findings from the American Psychological Association indicate that AI can reduce genuine learning and independent skill development.
“Learning that comes from AI taking on tasks for kids is not retained,” explains Dr Coleman. “Part of what's important for children, when they're learning, is that there is some element of challenge and some element of struggle.”
Simply put, you need to earn your knowledge.
“Friction has to be present in nearly every aspect of children's developmental journey,” he says. “It's the same with their social interactions; we need them to be able to meet people who disagree with them, who cause them to think, or challenge their own thinking. AI doesn't do any of that.”
How can parents teach children to question their sources?
To help tackle these issues, Dr Coleman says parents should encourage children to question their sources. As a family, you could ask 'Alexa' or 'Siri' to answer a question. From there, parents can ask their children if they believe the answer is correct and discuss alternative sources for fact-checking.
“It's about not taking information at face value,” he explains, “but actually going and exploring and checking it and cross-referencing with other information, so that you have greater confidence in this information.”
As well as encouraging media literacy, this will reinforce learning and help young minds retain information.
Why should parents be aware of the algorithm?
Although being online has become the norm for children and adults alike, Dr Coleman reminds parents that the type of content they are consuming, and how they are consuming it, may differ.
“Parents have to realise that it's not a passive thing for kids to be online,” he insists. “Once information starts getting pushed to them, which they are passively receiving, it sparks their interest, and then they might go searching for more.”
While having information from across the globe at our fingertips can be a wonderful thing, it can also be dangerous. The psychologist warns that algorithms can push a particular agenda towards a child.
“This is a potentially dangerous environment,” he states. “For all the good it might have, there's also real danger out there.”
How can families keep communication open about AI?
Rather than fearing the technology or trying to avoid it, Dr Coleman encourages a better understanding of it.
“We just have to have our eyes wide open,” he says. “We need to be talking about it at home, over the dinner table, and when checking homework.”
For little ones, online activity should be monitored with strict parental controls put in place. The psychologist also suggests turning to resources like WebWise and the Tozi app for guidance.
“Unsupervised access to the internet is just bad for young children,” he insists. “Full stop. They should never be unsupervised on the internet. They should never be playing an online game that allows other people access to them.”
Similarly to how you would hold your kids close when exploring a new place, Dr Coleman wants parents to monitor, supervise, and limit their children's online adventures.
“Only give greater freedom as you have greater confidence that your kids are able to cope,” he says. “They have to, ultimately, get used to being in those environments.”
Is there room for optimism about kids and AI?
Despite the many challenges being thrown at parents, Dr Coleman insists that there is plenty to feel optimistic about.
“It's very hard to break kids,” he promises. “They're not that fragile, actually.”
“There are very few things that will happen to kids that we can't help them process afterwards,” he continues. “We can help them pick themselves up and continue to carry on.
“Of course things might go wrong, and of course kids will make mistakes, but ultimately, as long as we're engaged with them and willing to be there, we can help them recover from anything that does go wrong.”
Dr Coleman will tour eight venues around the country this October, offering practical tips to adults to help children deal with pressures and stresses. For tickets, visit davidcoleman.ie.
Frequently asked questions about children and AI
What percentage of Irish children are using AI?
According to the Vodafone Ireland Foundation, almost one in two children under 18 in Ireland use AI, with 68% using it to find information and 30% using it for schoolwork.
What are the main parental concerns about AI?
Two thirds of parents of 11 to 14 year olds worry about inaccurate information, 53% believe their child lacks education about AI, and 52% are concerned about online safety risks including scams and cyberbullying.
How can parents help children fact-check AI information?
Dr David Coleman suggests asking voice assistants like Alexa or Siri a question as a family, then discussing whether the answer seems correct and cross-referencing with other sources to build media literacy.