Let’s talk AI. It’s everywhere – whether we’re using voice assistants like Alexa or getting those eerily accurate Netflix recommendations. AI is becoming a huge part of our lives, and that’s not going to change anytime soon.
So, the question we really need to be asking is: “Should we teach kids AI?” And in my opinion, the answer is simple – yes, absolutely.
Because it’s not just about technology, it’s about preparing our kids for a future where AI is a tool they can control, use creatively, and thrive alongside.
I’m not going to dive too deeply into the ethics behind AI here, but I want to start by saying that I use AI every day in my work. As a digital marketer, AI has made me more productive than ever. I see it as a powerful tool that helps me achieve my goals without experiencing the traditional bottlenecks from the days of yore.
My wife made a spot-on observation when we were talking about how outdated our school experience was:
Back then, our teachers would always say, “You won’t always have a calculator in your pocket when you’re older.” – Well, they were right – we don’t just have a calculator; we carry powerful portable computers with access to the whole world. And now, with AI, we can create entire videos, documents, pictures, and so much more with just a prompt.
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Why Teaching Kids AI is a No-Brainer
AI is already shaking up the job market. By 2030, millions of jobs could be affected by automation – especially those that involve repetitive tasks. According to McKinsey, up to 375 million jobs globally might need to be adapted or replaced due to AI advances.
But it’s not all bad news! AI is also creating exciting opportunities in fields like healthcare, tech, and the arts. If we teach our kids how to harness AI, we’re setting them up to be innovators, problem-solvers, and creators in a world that’s evolving faster than we can keep up.
And it’s not just about coding. Jobs that require creativity, emotional intelligence, or hands-on skills – think of careers in the arts, healthcare, or blue-collar jobs like plumbing and construction – are safer from AI’s reach. These fields rely on human skills that AI simply can’t replace.
So yeah, I’m all about teaching my kids how to use it. Let’s get them ahead of the game, not scrambling to catch up when they’re older.
What Should Kids Learn About AI?
You might be wondering, “What exactly should kids learn about AI?”
Well, it’s more than just learning to code (although coding is a big part of it). Kids should understand how AI works, how to use it creatively, and most importantly, how to use it responsibly. By teaching them to think critically about AI, we’re teaching them to use it as a tool for innovation – whether that’s solving everyday problems or creating the next big thing.
Why We Include AI in Our Homeschooling
In our homeschooling journey, I’ve made AI a part of the curriculum. It’s not just about giving my children tech skills – it’s about helping them understand the tools that will shape their future. Whether they’re exploring coding or dabbling in AI-powered creative tools, the aim is to empower them to think critically about technology.
One of the tools we’ve been exploring is Twinkl AI. You might already know Twinkl as a fantastic resource for learning materials, but their AI-driven tools take things to the next level. Twinkl’s AI can generate custom worksheets, quizzes, and even lesson plans tailored to your child’s needs.
It’s a great way to personalise learning, and my kids love how interactive and creative it makes their lessons. By incorporating Twinkl AI into our homeschooling, I’m helping my children not only use AI but understand how it can be a tool for their own learning and growth. (Not to mention, they love using it with me and seeing the puzzles come to life.)
Dall-E and ChatGPT are also phenomenal for home school endeavours when working in tandem. I wanted to surprise one of my daughters with a custom colouring book and thanks to a custom GPT I was able to get something printed and sorted in minutes.
A Rundown of the Best AI Tools for Kids
If you’re wondering “How should I introduce AI to my child?”, there are loads of great tools out there. From coding and creative writing to video editing, here’s a breakdown of some of the best AI-powered platforms that you can introduce to your children:
Coding and Writing AI
ChatGPT: This AI assistant helps kids with writing, answering questions, and sparking creativity. It’s perfect for brainstorming ideas or even helping with homework.
Claude: Similar to ChatGPT, Claude encourages a more conversational approach to interactive learning.
Mimo: A brilliant app for teaching kids to code through fun, bite-sized lessons. It covers coding, AI, and app development in an easy-to-understand format. My son is an avid user of Mimo and is determined to learn Python because of it. Truth be told, he’s actually better at Python than I am nowadays.
Code.org: Want to get kids started with coding? This platform introduces the basics in a fun, engaging way and even includes AI-related projects.
AI for Graphics
DALL-E: Turn words into images. This tool allows kids to explore creativity by generating artwork from text descriptions.
MidJourney: A bit more advanced, but perfect for older kids interested in AI-generated art.
Adobe Firefly: Another great choice for design-oriented kids, Firefly transforms text prompts into stunning visual art.
AI for Video Editing and Generation
VEED.io: Is a sophisticated and user-friendly video editor with advanced AI capabilities to help your child discover their creative potential. One outstanding feature is its eye contact AI, which automatically adjusts eye alignment in videos, making it ideal for students delivering presentations.
VEED.io’s AI voice cloning enables youngsters to experiment with vocal expressions or recreate clear sounds consistently. It is suitable for school video projects or storytelling. VEED.io’s suite of accessible tools enables young learners to experiment with digital content production and increase their confidence in a tech-driven future.
I’ll be writing a more in-depth post on Veed.io in a few months, as well as prompt engineering for ChatGPT – so keep your eyes peeled!
Runway ML: This AI video generator lets kids experiment with effects, create visuals, and bring their creative ideas to life with ease.
Synthesia: If your child loves storytelling, Synthesia allows them to create AI-generated avatars that speak their text – ideal for presentations or fun video projects.
AI for Music
Suno: This platform is perfect for young music enthusiasts. It helps them compose their own melodies and experiment with different music styles.
I’ve spent many hours messing around with Suno and used it to help compose an EP which is available on Amazon, Spotify and other platforms.
AIVA: An AI music composer that lets your child create their own soundtracks, whether for fun or for school projects.
AI for Learning and Creativity
Gizmo: Gizmo is a fun AI education tool that helps kids remember what they learn in a simple, interactive way. All you need to do is paste study notes into the app, and Gizmo turns them into engaging quizzes. It makes learning enjoyable, and we all know kids learn best when they’re having fun.
Brickit: Got a pile of old Lego bricks lying around? (God knows we do!) Brickit helps kids get creative with what they already have. Just spread the bricks on the floor, snap a photo, and upload it to the app. Brickit will scan the photo, identify the pieces, and suggest awesome building ideas – complete with step-by-step instructions. It’s a fantastic way to breathe new life into those Lego collections.
Animated Drawings: Imagine your child’s drawings coming to life. That’s what Animated Drawings does! Simply upload their drawing, tweak a few settings, and watch as it turns into an animation. It’s still in demo format, but it does an amazing job of turning two-dimensional art into dynamic, animated scenes – a brilliant way to make creativity even more magical. Before they get into animation themselves of course :)
Why Teaching AI Ethics is Essential
It’s one thing to teach kids how to use AI, but it’s just as important to teach them the ethics behind it. AI is a powerful tool, and kids need to understand its implications – everything from data privacy to avoiding biases in AI systems.
By teaching our kids to use AI responsibly, we’re giving them the skills to utilise and create technology that benefits themselves and society as a whole.
AI: Not a Threat, But a Tool
Let’s face it – there’s a lot of talk about AI taking over jobs and dominating industries, but here’s the truth: AI is just a tool. And like any tool, it’s only as powerful as the person using it. By teaching our kids how to harness AI, we’re showing them how to control it, innovate with it, and use it to solve problems, rather than being overwhelmed by it.
Starting AI with Younger Kids? No Problem!
Worried your child is too young to start learning AI? You can introduce basic concepts even to younger children. Toys like Cozmo or Dash bring AI-powered robotics into playtime, helping them understand how machines learn and adapt. These experiences lay the groundwork for more complex AI learning as they grow older.
Preview | Product | Price | |
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ENERGIZE LAB Eilik – Cute Robot Pets Toys with Abundant Emotions, Your Perfect Interactive Companion… | £139.99 | Buy on Amazon |
AI Resources for Parents: Learn Alongside Your Kids
If you’re feeling a bit out of your depth, don’t worry – you’re not alone! There are plenty of resources for parents to learn about AI. Platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer beginner-friendly AI courses, and books like “AI for Dummies” explain the basics in a way that makes sense. For a hands-on approach, AI4K12 offers educational materials designed for both kids and parents, making it easier to learn together.
Future-Proofing Your Child’s Career: What Jobs AI Won’t Replace
While AI is set to transform many industries, some jobs – especially those in skilled trades like plumbing, carpentry, and construction – are somewhat safe from automation. These jobs require hands-on skills and real-time problem-solving that AI can’t replicate. At the same time, teaching kids AI now gives them the edge in jobs that don’t even exist yet – whether it’s AI development, digital artistry, prompt engineering or data analysis.
In Conclusion
AI is here to stay, and our kids need to be ready for it. But instead of fearing AI, we can show them how to use it to their advantage – whether that’s through coding, creating artwork, or even making videos with tools like VEED.io or Runway ML. By embracing AI, we’re giving our kids a life skill that will help them succeed in the future.
I’d love to hear from you if you use AI on a day-to-day basis, or whether you’re for or against AI when it comes to teaching your kids.