Consultations to Begin in Manitoba for Artificial Intelligence and Social Media Ban
Education Minister Tracy Schmidt announced that discussions with education sector partners will begin in the coming months ahead of the planned ban for youth under 16.
While school divisions in Manitoba await a central decision regarding a planned ban on artificial intelligence chatbots and social media for youth under 16, they are focusing on creating their own interim rules for the new school year.
Provincial Ban and Consultation Process
The Manitoba government stated this spring that, as part of steps to restrict access to these platforms for those under 16, classrooms could be the first place where children's use of social media and AI bots is prohibited.
Education Minister Tracy Schmidt stated that her department will hold consultations with education sector stakeholders in the coming months to clarify guidelines.
School Divisions' Approach to Artificial Intelligence
In the Pembina Trails School Division, classrooms continue to utilize artificial intelligence for lesson planning and preparing different reading materials according to students' reading levels.
Michelle Carlos, serving as a digital coach in the division, emphasizes that AI can be a valuable tool when used appropriately.
Security and Alternative Solutions
The Manitoba Teachers' Society stated that they have been in discussions with the provincial government to address privacy and security concerns regarding technology, and that teacher supervision is essential.
Meanwhile, the Louis Riel School Division announced that it has developed its own private AI assistants as an alternative to unsupervised commercial chatbots.