Artificial intelligence has quickly become a part of everyday life for many people. Whether it’s asking Alexa for homework help, using ChatGPT to draft an essay, or chatting with AI-powered filters on social media, today’s children are growing up in a world where technology doesn’t just assist them – it interacts, responds and even influences how they think, learn and feel. While this technology brings its benefits, it also presents serious concerns that affect children’s mental health, safety, education and development.
At Little Lives UK, we believe it’s crucial to bring awareness to how AI is shaping childhood in this modern age, while also encouraging parents to protect young minds.
The Dependence on AI
Recent data from Ofcom reveals that 59% of UK children aged 7-17 have used generative AI tools over the past year. Among older teens, aged 13-17, this number increases to 79%. What stands out as the most popular AI platform is Snapchat’s ‘My AI’ – this is used by 51% of children. It’s already so clear that AI is becoming deeply embedded into children’s social lives, education and entertainment. However, the reality is that many children are using these tools without fully understanding how they operate or the risks that follow.
A study by the National Literacy Trust further highlights this concern – it found that 1 in 5 children typically copy what AI tells them without questioning it, and another 1 in 5 don’t take the time to check whether the AI-generated responses are accurate.
This clearly poses a threat – if children are going to inevitably feel dependant on AI, they need the critical thinking skills to use it safely and responsibly.
What are the hidden risks?
The dark side of AI is becoming increasingly evident, despite its potential to enhance learning and creativity – these growing risks cannot be ignored.
1. Impact on mental health
AI-driven content, especially on social media platforms, can distort self-image, reinforce unrealistic standards, and worsen anxiety, loneliness or depression – particularly in vulnerable children. For example, algorithm-driven feeds that you might see on platforms such as Instagram or TikTok, often bombard children with curated beauty standards or harmful comparisons. Another example would be AI chatbots; these mimic empathy and conversation, leading children to build emotional dependency on non-human interactions.
2. Educational undermining
Key skills that children learn all throughout their school years are under threat – critical thinking, writing, problem-solving and resilience are all something to be encouraged, but with children having unlimited access to AI, it is almost impossible to stimulate these skills anymore. A good reason for this being the rise in plagiarism – if you can ask AI for all the answers to a homework question so easily, why wouldn’t you? This encourages children to copy, rather than learn.
3. Cyberbullying
New dimensions of online abuse are skyrocketing, and it feels impossible to ignore these specific threats, when even existing laws struggle to address them. AI tools such as deepfakes and “nudifying” apps are being used to create fake images, ultimately leading to humiliation for children who don’t consent to the fake content being created of them.
4. Manipulation of information
Children are particularly susceptible to AI-generated misinformation. AI can create fake news stories as well as perpetuate biased or discriminatory information. This can ultimately lead to harmful stereotypes or skewed perspectives being introduced to young minds. It even goes as far as designing manipulative content using bad actors to deceive or influence children through fake ads, false narratives or exaggerated claims about trends or events. Children must be equipped with the tools to question, verify and critically assess the information they encounter online.
5. Discrimination and equality
A strongly concerning issue is the ability to reinforce and perpetuate biases that already exist in society. Since AI systems are built on large, historical datasets, this often reflects racial, gender and socioeconomic qualities – this leads to AI inadvertently producing outcomes that discriminate against marginalised groups. A clear example of this would be how facial recognition technologies have been shown to be less accurate when identifying people of colour, particularly black individuals, leading to potential unjust consequences.
What can parents do to help?
AI isn’t going anywhere anytime soon – so while it’s here, we can guide children to at least use it safely, responsibly and mindfully. Here are 5 practical tips for how you can help:
1. Talk about the pros and cons
Explain how AI can be great for creativity and learning, but highlight the risks of overuse, misuse and data sharing.
2. Explore ai together
Sit down with your child and try AI tools together. Ask questions like, “where do you think this answer came from?” or “what would you do if the chatbot said something strange?” – this would encourage your child to be mindful of what they’re taking in.
3. Discuss cheating and plagiarism
Explain the consequences that using AI-powered tools to complete homework or write an essay for them will have on their future – its dishonest and can lead to serious outcomes in school and beyond.
4. Encourage critical thinking
Teach your children to cross-reference, fact check and ask questions before believing or sharing AI-generated information – ask, “how can you back this up?” or “what proof do you have?”.
5. Create screen-time limits
Balance technology use with human interaction, physical play and offline hobbies to protect emotional and cognitive health. This will encourage your child to believe in a real world, outside of AI.
A bright future with AI
At Little Lives UK, we are committed to supporting children through these challenges, ensuring that they not only grow up in a technologically advanced world, but do so with the confidence and knowledge to thrive in it. That’s why we’re championing initiatives that protect children’s mental health, bridge the digital divide, and educate families about tech and safety.
References:
https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/blog/the-childrens-commissioners-view-on-artificial-intelligence-ai/
https://literacytrust.org.uk/research-services/research-reports/children-young-people-and-teachers-use-of-generative-ai-to-support-literacy-in-2024/
