# ‘I want him to be prepared’: why parents are teaching their gen Alpha kids to use AI

As AI grows increasingly prevalent, some are showing their children tools from ChatGPT to Dall-E to learn and bond.

## Introduction

Jules White used to believe his 11-year-old son needed to know how to code to be successful. Now, though, the Vanderbilt computer science professor says it’s more crucial for James to learn a new, more useful skill: how to prompt  (AI) .

## Key Points

- Parents are curious how the proliferation of generative AI will affect their kids’ personal growth.
- AI’s rapid evolution could also make it harder for less tech-savvy parents to intervene when children misuse it.
- The Guardian believes exposing kids to AI early can enhance creativity, hone critical thinking, and improve communication skills.
- Parents need to prioritize supervision and guide their children in responsible AI usage.

## Detailed Discussion

### Current Generation’s Approach

Jules White and his son, James, have been exploring generative AI tools like ChatGPT since early 2023. They use these tools to create games, learn new skills, and explore different perspectives.

**Example Activities:**

- Creating games using photos of toys.
- Debunking ChatGPT-generated world record claims with verified information.
- Crafting study materials.
- Using AI art generators like Dall-E to produce personalized images.

**Goal:**

- To enhance creativity, hone critical thinking skills, and improve communication.
- To help kids see AI as a foundation for using AI responsibly.

### Parental Supervision

Sharing AI knowledge requires a controlled, intentional environment:

- **Parental Guidelines:**
  - Limit AI usage on devices with permission.
  - Allow AI only during weekly Friday Fun Nights.
  - Monitor AI use with ChatGPT for open-ended discussions and problem-solving.

**Example Scenario:**

James engages in a conversation with ChatGPT, asking about the cost of shoes without a price tag, leading to a discussion about real-world implications for spending.

### Future Directions

As AI evolves, parents are exploring ways to integrate it into their children’s education:

- Exposing kids to AI early can expand creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills.
- Introducing AI tools is designed to be a bridge to more complex learning opportunities.

## Conclusion

“**My goal isn’t to make him a generative AI wizard,” White said. “It’s to give him a foundation for using AI to be creative, build, explore perspectives, and enrich his learning.”**

## Additional Information

### Parents and Teachers

- **Parents:**
  - Expose kids to AI tools like ChatGPT and Dall-E.
  - Encourage critical thinking and responsible AI use.
  - Focus on enhancing creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills.

- **Teachers:**
  - Teach AI to younger children and students.
  - Integrate AI into classroom activities and projects.
  - Provide tips on how to use AI responsibly.

### Ethical Considerations

- **Deepfakes and AI companions:** **High-priority concerns because they can influence kids and be very damaging.**
  - Parents should be aware of these risks and be cautious to prevent such harm.

- **AI Shorts:** **High-priority concerns because they can influence kids and be very damaging.**
  - Parents should be aware of these risks and be cautious to prevent such harm.

- **ChatGPT and AI Companions:** **High-priority concerns because they can influence kids and be very damaging.**
  - Parents should be aware of these risks and be cautious to prevent such harm.

### Conclusion

**Parents and Teachers:**
- Encourage responsible AI use to promote AI as a tool for reimagining processes in the workforce.
- Encourage AI to be used for creative exploration, not for copying and pasting answers.

## Notes

- **AI Chatbots:** **ChatGPT can create games, learn new skills, and explore different perspectives.**
- **Gen AI Wizardry:** **Not the goal, but to give kids a foundation for using AI responsibly.**
- **Parental Awareness:** **Parents need to prioritize the technology’s benefits while also being aware of potential risks.**

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