Beyond Homework: What Kids Really Think About AI
- Yuki
- Aug 30
- 3 min read
When adults talk about kids and generative AI, the conversation often jumps to one thing: cheating. But a fascinating new report from The Alan Turing Institute, "Understanding the Impacts of Generative AI Use on Children," shows that the reality is far more complex and interesting. Researchers went directly to the source—children, parents, and teachers—to find out how the youngest generation is actually using these powerful new tools.
Through surveys and hands-on school workshops, the report uncovers a nuanced picture of AI's role in children's lives, revealing surprising benefits, significant concerns, and a striking digital divide.
Who's Using AI and For What?
It's more common than you might think. Nearly a quarter of children aged 8-12 have already used generative AI, with ChatGPT being the most popular tool. But they aren't just asking it for homework answers. The top uses are:
Creating fun pictures and learning about something new (43%).
Entertainment and just playing around (40%).
A major finding is the emergence of a new digital divide. Children in private schools are nearly three times more likely to use generative AI than their peers in state schools (52% vs. 18%). This gap suggests a risk of widening educational inequality as AI becomes more integrated into our world.
Hopes and Concerns: The Good, The Bad, and The Complicated
The report paints a picture of cautious optimism, where the potential of AI is weighed against some very real concerns.
The Hopes ☀️
One of the most powerful and consistent themes is the potential for AI to support children with additional learning needs. Both teachers and children highlighted this as a key benefit. The survey found that children with additional learning needs use AI at significantly higher rates for communication, getting advice, and keeping themselves company. These tools can help them express thoughts they might struggle to communicate on their own. Teachers are also embracing AI for their own work, with 85% of those who use it reporting that it increased their productivity.
The Concerns ⛈️
The worries are significant and shared by parents, teachers, and children alike.
Inappropriate Content: An overwhelming majority of parents (82%) are concerned about their children being exposed to inappropriate information. These fears were validated in the workshops, where simple prompts occasionally produced unsafe content (which was not shown to the children).
Bias and Representation: Children, particularly children of color, became frustrated and disappointed when AI tools failed to produce images that represented their identities. For some, this was enough to make them abandon the tool in favor of traditional art materials.
Environmental Impact: In a powerful display of awareness, children expressed significant concerns about the environmental impacts of AI, such as its energy and water costs. For some, this knowledge was a deciding factor in choosing not to use the technology.
Critical Thinking: 76% of parents and 72% of teachers worry that children will become too trusting of AI and that it could negatively impact their critical thinking skills.
The Path Forward: What Can We Do?
The report makes it clear that we can't ignore generative AI's growing presence in children's lives. Instead, we need a proactive and child-centered approach. The recommendations focus on empowerment, equity, and safety.
Listen to Kids: The most important takeaway is that children are competent and insightful voices in this conversation. Policymakers and developers must
meaningfully engage children in the design and governance of AI tools to ensure their rights and needs are met.
Improve AI Literacy: We need to teach AI in schools, but it must go beyond simple prompts. The curriculum should include ethical considerations like bias, environmental impacts, and academic integrity.
Bridge the Divide: We must ensure equitable access to AI tools and education in state schools to prevent the digital divide from widening.
Support All Forms of Creativity: Children in the workshops showed a strong preference for tactile, offline art materials. The goal should be to use AI to add value alongside—not instead of— traditional creative and play-based learning.
Ultimately, the conversation is much bigger than just homework. It's about preparing a generation for a future where AI is everywhere. By listening to children and addressing their concerns head-on, we can work to make that future safer, fairer, and more creative for everyone.
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