Key points:
Parents’ Perspective on the Dangers and Benefits of AI in Education
While parents do have concerns about their children’s exposure to AI in the classroom, some would still support their children using AI for schoolwork, according to a survey from Norton, a consumer Cyber Safety brand of Gen.
Concerns about AI in Education
Parents of school children ages 5 and up have mixed opinions on their children using AI. Among the top concerns:
- 51 percent worry about their children coming across inappropriate content.
- 50 percent are concerned that AI-generated content may be biased or incorrect, and they fear an over-reliance on technology.
- 46 percent are apprehensive about their children sharing personal data online.
Optimism about AI’s Role in Education
Despite these concerns, many parents remain optimistic about AI’s role in their children’s lives, touting the various ways that it can be used to a child’s advantage in the classroom. Norton found:
- Nearly half (49 percent) of parents noted they would approve of their child using AI to complete schoolwork, out of the 35 percent of parents who support their oldest child using AI in the classroom.
- 69 percent believe it should be utilized for research in classrooms or at school.
- 48 percent trust lesson plans and curriculum created with AI tools.
Helping Keep Kids Cybersafe
Here are some tips to help keep your children cybersafe at school this year:
- Protect personal information: Educate your children on how to safeguard their personal information, regardless of whether they’re interacting with AI platforms or chatbots.
- Verify website safety and use a VPN: It is important for you and your children to check the browser connection and the URLs to ensure a site is secure, even more so when accessing AI tools or platforms.
- Enable age-appropriate settings: Using AI settings designed for different age groups will help ensure your family is set up for success when handling AI tools and platforms.
- Promote integrity and responsibility: Norton advises parents and teachers to talk with children and students about the importance of integrity and mindful behavior as a foundational step of cyber safety.
Conclusion
While parents have concerns about AI in education, many also see its potential benefits. By being aware of the potential risks and taking steps to keep their children cybersafe, parents can help their children make the most of AI in the classroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the main concerns parents have about AI in education?
A: The main concerns parents have about AI in education include coming across inappropriate content, AI-generated content being biased or incorrect, and sharing personal data online.
Q: Do parents support the use of AI in education?
A: Yes, many parents support the use of AI in education, with nearly half approving of their child using AI to complete schoolwork.
Q: How can parents keep their children cybersafe?
A: Parents can keep their children cybersafe by educating them on how to safeguard their personal information, verifying website safety and using a VPN, enabling age-appropriate settings, and promoting integrity and responsibility.
