A new report from the journal Pediatrics warns that generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) poses both opportunities and risks for children of all ages. Dr. Greta of Ashley Clinic in Chanute, Kansas, highlights the need for parental awareness as AI becomes more creative and emotionally engaging.
The study examines four key areas: creativity, empathy, misinformation, and ease of use. For children ages 0–6, AI can enhance storytelling and teach shapes and colors, but young kids often develop rapport with AI and cannot distinguish between human and machine interactions—a potential problem as they grow.
Grade-school children benefit from creative tools but face increased exposure to misinformation and may bond emotionally with AI due to its convincing tone. Teenagers are most at risk, using AI to complete homework without learning, and seeking companionship in an era of loneliness. Dr. Greta emphasizes that parents must stay alert to rapid AI updates that can change how children interact with these systems.