In an era where technology permeates every facet of life, the question of how children can responsibly harness the power of Generative AI (GenAI) is becoming increasingly critical. Gateway Consulting, a public policy research firm, has recently released a timely research report titled ‘Enhancing Children’s Learning and Critical Thinking Skills in the Age of Generative AI.’ The report delves into how GenAI is being used by children for educational purposes and offers thoughtful recommendations to parents and educators on ensuring its responsible use.
The comprehensive analysis outlines both the advantages and challenges of GenAI when integrated into children’s learning processes. Based on a survey of 1,040 parents from major urban centres including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune and Ahmedabad, the report reveals intriguing insights. An overwhelming majority of parents—77%—reported that their children are already using GenAI tools for educational purposes, while 20% acknowledged its use for personal interests. A smaller group, 2%, indicated that their children use GenAI for social-emotional support and life skills development.
37% of parents see GenAI’s potential
However, the benefits of GenAI as perceived by parents remain varied. While 37% of parents recognised GenAI’s potential to enhance their children’s critical thinking, 26% expressed scepticism and another 37% remained neutral.
One significant finding was that even among an educated, urban audience, 61% of parents admitted they do not guide their children on responsible GenAI usage, highlighting a significant gap in awareness.
Tushar Gandhi, the Founder of Gateway Consulting, underscored the mixed response, stating, “Our research reveals both the immense potential and the challenges posed by GenAI for children’s learning and critical thinking. While GenAI can support children in meeting diverse learning goals, they must be guided on how to use these tools responsibly and develop their independent critical thinking skills. Our report aims to serve as a ready reckoner guide for educators and parents by providing them with actionable recommendations that can aid the responsible integration of GenAI in children’s lives.”
Risks of hidden biases in AI systems
While the promise of GenAI is substantial, the report also sheds light on potential risks, including the dangers of hidden biases in AI systems, overreliance on AI for learning, dissemination of inaccurate information and the lack of socio-emotional understanding by GenAI tools.