Introduction
In today’s digital age, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a significant part of daily life. A new report from Barnardos Online Safety Programme reveals that almost two-thirds (63%) of children and young people are learning about AI primarily through social media platforms. This finding underscores a critical gap in formal education regarding AI, as many educators feel unprepared to teach this increasingly vital subject.
Report Overview
The report, titled Exploring AI with Children and Young People, surveyed over 500 students from fifth and sixth class in primary schools, and first to third year in secondary schools. It also incorporated feedback from:
- 101 parents
- 63 teachers
This emphasizes the importance of understanding AI’s role in the lives of young people. Since its inception in 2019, Barnardos’ Online Safety Programme has successfully reached around 90,000 children across 800 schools, providing insights into how children perceive technology.
Findings
The findings indicate that a significant number of children (54%) expressed a desire to learn more about AI in school. This is crucial, as:
- 82% of respondents believe their parents or teachers know little to nothing about AI.
- 87% of parents consider it important for their children to learn about AI now.
This illustrates a growing awareness of the topic’s relevance. However, the disconnect between students’ eagerness to learn and the educators’ preparedness to teach is alarming. A staggering 95% of teachers reported that they have not received any training in AI. This lack of support could hinder students’ understanding of a technology that is reshaping various industries and societal norms.
Expert Commentary
Niamh McLoughlin, co-ordinator of Barnardos’ Online Safety Programme, commented on the report, stating, “Children and young people tell us that aspects of AI are useful, fun, and can help them understand their world. However, they also have concerns about how AI can be used to manipulate them and invade their privacy.” This duality of perspective highlights the need for educational frameworks that not only promote understanding of AI’s benefits but also address its ethical implications and potential risks.
Initiatives for Improvement
In response to these challenges, initiatives have emerged to bridge the gap between children’s curiosity and educators’ knowledge. For instance, Google Ireland has launched two significant programs aimed at enhancing AI literacy among teachers and students:
- The Experience AI initiative, co-developed with the Raspberry Pi Foundation, provides free resources and professional development for educators to effectively teach students about AI technologies. This initiative aims to empower young people to actively engage with the technology that shapes their futures.
- The Adapt Centre is spearheading the AI Literacy in the Classroom program, designed to boost secondary school teachers’ AI literacy by offering workshops and online resources tailored to teachers’ needs.
Conclusion
As society continues to evolve alongside AI, it is imperative that educational institutions adapt to meet the needs of their students. The findings from Barnardos’ report serve as a wake-up call for educators and policymakers to prioritize AI education. By investing in teacher training and developing robust curricula, we can create an informed generation capable of navigating the complexities of AI technologies.
In conclusion, as children increasingly turn to social media for information on AI, the responsibility falls on educators and parents to provide comprehensive education on the topic. By fostering an environment that encourages AI literacy, we can prepare young people to engage critically and ethically with the technologies that will shape their lives. The journey toward AI literacy is essential not only for individual growth but also for the collective future of our society.
