Are your K-12 kids using AI at school? 6 tips for getting it right
Artificial intelligence (AI) is now everywhere we look, from the tools we use at work to the algorithms that shape the home page of our favorite streaming services. But it’s not just adults who are using AI; children are as well. AI is entering K-12 education in the form of writing helpers, math chatbots, and educational platforms that students use regularly. While there is no denying that the introduction of AI in education opens up many exciting opportunities for young schoolchildren, parents need to be aware of potential issues related to cybersecurity, ethics, academic performance, and overall health. In light of World Children’s Day 2025, we explore six tips for parents to follow to ensure their children only benefit from the positive aspects of leveraging AI in K-12 education.
6 tips for parents to support the use of AI in K-12
Ask your child what tools they use
Knowledge is power. That’s why it’s important to understand exactly how AI will be used in the classroom. Some schools are investing in writing and math assistants, while others are using AI to create and enhance virtual learning environments. By knowing which tools your child uses and perhaps briefly trying them out yourself, you can gain a better understanding of their benefits, limitations, and potential risks. All you have to do is communicate with your teacher and ask which AI tools are being used in the classroom, their purpose, and whether there are any additional tools recommended for independent use at home.
Make it clear that AI is an adjunct, not a replacement.
It’s natural for children to be tempted to let AI do their homework for them instead of using it to support their learning. Even adults are often fascinated by the seemingly endless capabilities of these powerful tools. However, some boundaries must be set to ensure that the use of AI in K-12 education does not negatively impact schoolchildren’s progress and critical thinking skills. Explain to children that AI is there to provide examples, clarify concepts, enhance practice, and support creativity. On the contrary, it should not be used to replace thinking and problem-solving skills.
Focus on digital safety
Data safety is a major concern when using AI, especially for children in K-12. Many AI-powered tools collect data in order to work effectively, but if children are not aware of this, they can put themselves and their families at risk. It’s important to share basic cybersecurity tips with young students, such as not sharing personal information (name, address, photo, etc.), setting secure passwords, and only using school-approved platforms. If you have questions about the safety features of AI-powered tools and platforms used at your child’s school, be sure to discuss guidelines and privacy settings with your child’s teacher.
Encouraging fact-checking AI
AI often provides answers with such confidence and authority that you wonder if the answer is wrong. However, rather than just taking the AI’s response at face value, it’s important to take a few extra steps to verify it. To help your child distinguish between AI hallucinations and legitimate answers, teach them a series of important questions to ask, such as “Does this answer make sense?”, “Is the source reliable?”, and “Do I need to cross-check it with another source?” These questions not only improve critical thinking skills, but also promote digital literacy and academic success.
Set boundaries around screen usage
One of the problems with the increased use of technology in education is that children are also spending more time in front of screens. However, the introduction of AI in K-12 education should not replace offline learning, much less play and interact outside of the virtual world. Parents who want to maintain balance in their children’s lives should start by setting up screen-free zones and times around the house. Additionally, we need to promote and engage in hands-on activities that allow children to move and develop problem-solving skills without the influence of devices. Finally, users themselves must set a good example. You need to limit your own screen time and avoid relying on your phone or AI all the time.
Cultivate curiosity instead of fear
Regardless of your feelings and views on artificial intelligence, there is no denying that it is here to stay. So instead of ignoring the existence of AI, or worse, instilling fear in our children by calling it “dangerous” or “cheating,” we should encourage our children to interact safely with this new technology. We’ll teach you the precautions you should take to stay safe, and at the same time allow you to experiment, ask questions, and discover new ways to use it. Additionally, knowing how to utilize AI tools is a new skill that will be extremely valuable for children in the future.
conclusion
The recent introduction of AI into K-12 classrooms has reminded us just how important new technology is in helping children learn, create, and grow. But at the same time, it’s important to keep an open mind to these tools and others that may emerge in the future. In this way, we equip our children with the important skills they will need for their academic and career paths. This World Children’s Day, find out how you can support young children’s first introductions to artificial intelligence to use it safely to enhance their learning experiences.
