Important Advice from Experts for Families on Artificial Intelligence and Young Children

Serdar HocamAuthor & Editor

Experts draw attention to the risks encountered in the interaction of children under eight with artificial intelligence and provide guidance to parents.

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Helpful or harmful? When it comes to AI and young kids, experts have these tips for parents

With artificial intelligence technologies entering children's daily lives at an early age, experts share critical points that parents need to pay attention to and warn against risky toys.

Artificial Intelligence in Early Childhood

During the critical developmental period before the age of eight, children encounter artificial intelligence at an early age through smart assistants and content.

Researchers state that preschool-aged children can learn through technology, but personal artificial intelligence tools create a new space in the home environment.

Teaching the Distinction Between Humans and Computers

It is important for parents to teach children to distinguish between computer and human responses in the artificial intelligence systems they encounter.

Experts recommend explaining situations where the computer provides answers to children and encouraging them to seek the opinion of another adult.

Explaining Artificial Intelligence in Concrete Terms

It is stated that young children may attribute human characteristics to voice assistants and may find it difficult to understand that these technologies do not have feelings.

Therefore, it is advised to explain in concrete terms the reality that artificial intelligence is not human, and does not possess a body or emotions.

Avoiding Toys Containing Artificial Intelligence

Experts recommend staying away from artificial intelligence-powered toys due to the risks of inappropriate content and the lack of developmental benefits.

It is emphasized that one-on-one human interactions are of critical importance for children's social, emotional, and language development.

Traditional Content and Screen-Free Skills

Parents are advised to stick to old-style content such as traditional animations.

Additionally, supporting out-of-screen skills such as critical thinking, emotion regulation, and relationship building in children is encouraged.