How to help adolescents with AI

The impact of AI can be seen as both a boon and a curse, depending on how it is developed, deployed and managed. Parents should be informed about various aspects of AI to help their children navigate its benefits and challenges effectively.

Enhanced Learning Tools

AI can create interactive textbooks and digital lessons that cater to diverse learning needs. Teachers can use AI to track students’ progress, identify areas where they struggle and tailor their instruction accordingly.

Social Interactions

Algorithms on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube curate content based on user preferences, influencing how adolescents consume media and interact online. AI chatbots on social media provide instant responses, creating more dynamic and engaging interactions.

Online Safety

AI tools help detect and filter inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and hate speech to create safer online environments. AI-powered parental control apps monitor online activity and screen time, helping parents manage their children’s digital exposure.

Mental Health and Well-being

AI-based apps offer emotional support and mental health exercises, providing accessible help outside traditional therapy. AI in wearables can monitor physiological indicators of stress and anxiety, prompting early intervention.

Entertainment and Creativity

AI enhances video games by creating more realistic and challenging virtual environments, and characters that adapt to players’ actions. Tools like Unity and Unreal Engine use AI to help adolescents create their own games, fostering creativity and technical skills.

Content Creation

AI tools like DeepArt and Amper Music allow young people to create digital art and music, expanding their creative horizons. Platforms like Grammarly and AI Dungeon help adolescents improve their writing skills and explore creative storytelling.

Career Preparation

AI simulations provide virtual internship experiences, giving students a taste of various professions and practical skills, they also help in building and developing career related skills.

Protecting personal information from cyber threats is crucial as adolescents interact more with AI-driven platforms. (Source: Freepik)

Challenges and Considerations

Privacy and Data Security

The extensive data collected by AI systems can raise privacy concerns. Adolescents and their guardians need to be aware of what data is being collected and how it’s used. Protecting personal information from cyber threats is crucial as adolescents interact more with AI-driven platforms.

Mental Health Risks

Algorithms that promote idealised images on social media can lead to negative body image and mental health issues. Excessive use of AI-driven apps and platforms can contribute to screen addiction and related health problems in adolescents.

Ethical Concerns

AI systems can sometimes reflect and amplify societal biases, leading to unfair treatment or misinformation. Over-reliance on AI tools might impede the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Digital Literacy

Teaching adolescents about how AI works, its benefits, and its risks can empower them to use technology responsibly. Encouraging critical evaluation of AI-driven content helps adolescents make informed decisions and recognize biases. Parents and educators should guide adolescents in using AI tools effectively and safely.

Maintain open conversations about the impact of AI on their lives, fostering a balanced approach to technology use.

AI offers immense opportunities for enhancing education, creativity, and well-being among adolescents. However, it also presents challenges that need careful management. By fostering digital literacy, promoting ethical AI use, and providing supportive environments, we can help adolescents navigate the AI-driven world responsibly and benefit from its potential.