Artificial Intelligence exploded into my daily online activities overnight. Or so it seems. When did this happen?
I was first exposed to the internet late in the game, around 1997. It took me some time to understand it. After that, I struggled to see its use. Now, it’s surprising how much time I spend online. More startling, I find AI has almost imperceptibly crept into all my internet activities.
I assume I’m not the only one. What does this mean for our future, and especially for our youth? It raises countless concerns, especially as AI prevalence enters the classroom, online homeschooling, and children’s internet activities.
As Christian parents and educators, our goal is not to passively adapt or react blindly (as my last post stated). So, with an “awake” mind (Luke 21:36), let’s raise questions about children’s current and future use of AI. This blog examines the potential dangers and the role of parents and teachers in safeguarding children. It covers the importance of establishing boundaries and educating children about the risks and allure of AI.
However, providing children with a biblical foundation holds a starting point for people of faith. Children need guidance in ethical choices. And, more than ever, our youth require adult figures who foster spiritual hope and purpose for their uncertain future.
Shielded by Hope
Shielding children from harm is a priority. But first, and more importantly, we want them equipped to shine their light in whatever future unfolds. So, embed a Biblical mindset in children’s hearts. This will guide their thoughts and help them make choices based on a moral compass. We want to raise children spiritually awake, grounded in truth, and filled with heaven-centered hope.
“Aim at Heaven and you will get earth ‘thrown in’: aim at earth and you will get neither.” — C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity.
Already Here: How Children Are Using AI Today
Children who use the internet use AI. Period. They use it in apps, movies, games, messaging, email, internet searches, and Google (YouTube, Docs, Chat, etc.).
5 increasingly common AI uses for children in 2025:
- Individualized Learning: AI-powered learning tools adapt to each child’s individual needs, usually in math or reading. Examples include Prodigy and Khanmigo.ai.
- STEM and Coding: AI tools that make coding engaging for children, including Scratch, Code.org, and Tynker for building games.
- Creative Arts: AI tools assisting with storytelling, art creation, and music composition. Examples include sites such as Storybird for illustrated stories and the Deep Dream Generator, which transforms drawings into AI-enhanced artwork.
- Language Learning: AI chatbots and voice assistants, such as Duolingo and Lingokids, interact with kids to teach them languages.
- Mental Health: Apps like Woebot: The Mental Health Ally offers ages 12 and up a “friendly” AI companion that helps process their thoughts and feelings.
Many more AI-generating type tools are at kids’ fingertips than ever. So what’s the best way for Christian parents and teachers to safeguard their children’s morality and integrity?
The debate rages: Should parents and educators ban internet devices for kids altogether? Because, at this point, there is no other way to avoid AI use. Still, what if a device-free childhood cripples their educational and workforce options later on? Will it hinder their future in an AI-driven world? Given the unclear answer, it’s important to weigh the benefits of cautious use against the risks of unbridled digital exposure.
The New Wave – Banning Devices for Children
An increasing number of parents, regardless of their faith, want to shield their children from all phones, tablets, and computers. “Dependency on digital devices resulting in an ever-increasing daily screen time has subsequently also been the cause of several adverse effects on physical and mental or psychological health,” According to the National Library of Medicine. It’s safe to assume this includes spiritual well-being as well.
The internet simplifies tasks and boosts productivity. However, it has also nudged our culture into an era of time scarcity. We face rampant distractions and diminished focus on time with God. Many are rightfully pushing back, valuing family and spiritual activities over big jobs and bank accounts. Yet, the demands of everyday living in a tech culture won’t go away. Try listing each time you use your phone, computer, TV, or any other smart device today. Then imagine going without it. Sometimes, staying afloat means saving time through technology.
Some people are worried about the slow adoption of AI by parents and schools. They also fear that outright banning the internet and AI will disadvantage many children later in life. Yet, most people realize the dangers of allowing children to jump in without understanding the risks. They acknowledge that there may be more unknown consequences for children in the future from AI infiltrating online activities. So, how far should parents and educators go in setting limits on phones, tablets, computers, and other devices?
Dangers of AI for Children’s Education
“If there’s not a real problem you’re trying to solve, don’t use it,” says Rebecca Winthrop, the director of the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution (Educating). Students online now find it easy to use AI to solve math problems and write essays for them. But, this ease poses a risk to their academic development. Shortcuts for baseline academics undermine the crucial process of working through problems. As a result, it limits the growth of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Children should also engage in projects designed to stimulate their curiosity and interest. This sparks a passion for active learning and problem-solving, leading to new skills and accomplishments.
It’s a healthy habit to disconnect from phones and computers, even as adults. Still, we can’t escape the demand in our tech-driven society for navigating the internet. Children need skills to use AI safely and responsibly now and in their future. But when should a child start using the latest gadgets?
At what age should children use AI?
Young Children
Parents and educators express many concerns about using technology to teach young children. AI-powered educational toys that teach coding, social skills, and problem-solving are flooding the market these days. Manufacturers promise faster learning and better school preparedness for children through interactive play. However, who knows the risks linked to using robots and smart toys to teach young children?
Concerns arise about young ones losing exposure to real-world activities and human connection, which are crucial during their fragile development. Studies show that non-verbal children learn language from human-to-human contact. They don’t learn to speak from the exact words spoken by a face on a screen.
Early learning thrives on interaction, real conversations, and shared experiences with humans. This leads educators to emphasize the importance of human interaction for language development and overall early learning. They advocate for more traditional learning methods. These include playing with blocks, reading actual books, and coloring with real paper and Crayons.
Older and Tech-Savvy Children
At School
AI-powered programs offer personalized learning plans and tutoring, potentially easing the burden on teachers and homeschool parents. Despite this advantage, education experts advise against the excessive use of AI in education, even for high school students. Instead, they advocate for a balanced approach.
Many students lack interest in their education. It’s either too hard or too easy and boring, so they do the least possible to get by. These teens struggle later in life. They lack brain development and the ability to acquire skills, but also lack concern for important things. Young adults escape this mode by landing on an educational project that creates a “spark” and inspires them.
When they are passionate about a project, they gather information to accomplish it. This passion ignites curiosity and leads to involvement in other areas as well. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills are essential for the unknown future and workplace that young people will face.
With this in mind, some schools around the country now adopt a two-hour daily limit for AI-assisted individual learning. This tailors the education to the student’s pace and needs, focusing on the basics—reading, writing, and arithmetic.
After core subjects, they spend four hours working in groups on projects and station learning that includes students’ shared interests.
At home
AI proves a valuable resource for older children and adults lacking other options. For example, a teen writes a book and wants to self-publish, but can’t afford a professional editor. Grammarly offers an AI editing alternative.
Just keep in mind that online activities shouldn’t overshadow the importance of in-depth learning. This includes fully reading books. It also involves composing complete essays and participating in meaningful conversations. Learning blossoms when a child’s understanding of the world expands and perspectives change. But before setting teens up with educational AI tools, they need preparation.
More than ever, teens shouldn’t be online without limits and rules.
Cultivating AI Literacy: Understand, Question, and Discuss
Developing AI literacy involves exploring AI’s origins, weighing its potential benefits against its risks, and addressing its ethical challenges. Precautions sometimes fail, and kids are savvy about finding ways around them. So, it’s important to educate children, especially teens, about both new and old internet dangers.
To better grasp and connect with the subject, consider experimenting with an AI generator.
Prepare to discuss this topic with older children. Use thought-provoking questions to help them understand AI. Discuss its nature, production process, capabilities, associated risks, ethical concerns, and potential for exploitation by profit-driven companies targeting children. Also:
- Establish clear boundaries. Only allow access to unrestricted generative AI tools like ChatGPT under adult supervision. Discuss why this is important. But also steer children toward alternatives for their independent use, for example, well-regulated platforms like Khan Academy or Grammarly).
- Teach children how to evaluate the trustworthiness of AI-generated content and how to verify the credibility of online information.
- Warn them about many bright and shiny sites, including YouTube, free apps, and games. Companies design these eye-catching ads, pop-ups, and sponsored feed posts to be outlandish and addictive. They aim to increase company profits through clicks and ongoing use or runtime.
Enlighten and prepare children for a safer future by engaging them in open conversations about these and other online subjects. Aim to teach ethics. Raise awareness of new technology, while expressing a desire to protect them from its dangers and seductive nature.
Drawing the Line: How Much Should We Shield or Shape?
It’s essential to educate children about the addictive nature of devices in general. Of course, knowing what they should and shouldn’t do is not enough for children (or adults). These technologies are highly enticing.
Healthy routines, restrictions, and boundaries are important for grown-ups and even more so for those under 18. Adults need to learn how to resist their own temptations. They must also teach those skills to children, particularly computer-savvy youth and those over twelve. Kids who want a way around electronic blocks and guardrails will find one.
Parental Controls
Let’s face it: children are ingenious with bypassing rules. As will power develops, often “knowing better” and even wanting to comply sometimes isn’t enough for them to stop. So, maintaining vigilant supervision and robust parental controls is non-negotiable.
Current safeguards leverage AI to expect and block emerging digital threats, sometimes more effectively than before. Safeguards like Bark and Qustodio are noted as effective and credible by multiple legitimate sources. Evaluate your current parental controls against new threats. Conduct your own research to find the best option for you and your children.
The AI Discussion
Whether as a family or in the classroom, it’s paramount to discuss all these topics with children.
Need a place to start?
Use an OpenAI tool. If you have a Microsoft account, try Microsoft Copilot. Copy and paste the text below into the chat box. Change the age range to suit your discussion needs, ex., child, young child, 16-year-old, 5th grader.
Could you provide an outline to explain AI to my teens that answers these questions: What is AI? How is it made? What are the ethical issues to consider? What are ways for teens to evaluate the trustworthiness of AI-generated content? How can they verify the credibility of online information? Why are the rules for children about OpenAI important? How can devices become addictive? What are healthy daily habits for teens and for limiting screen time? What’s important about engaging in human-to-human social and physical activities?
Edit Your Outline. Don’t blindly trust AI-generated content. Find answers and strategies that align with personal values, the child’s situation, and their interests. Support their biblical, social, and creative pursuits. These interests reduce screen time, so allow time for them in a child’s daily routine.
Raising Light-Bearers in a Digital Age
Adult figures play a crucial role in nurturing children to radiate Christ’s love, regardless of their future paths. God calls them to instill biblical values and self-control in children through their actions. This means demonstrating patience and restraint in daily lives. They teach children proper principles and values so they may live virtuous lives. They seek to bring children’s minds and hearts into harmony with God’s plan, surrendering to His purpose for their lives. By instilling spiritual grounding, hope, and purpose, they prepare children to confidently navigate the complexities of the future.
More than anything, young people surrendering their hearts to God each day matters most…
This is less about doing everything “right” and more about doing things for the Lord for the right reason.
Conclusion
It’s unnerving how AI technology quietly wove itself into the fabric of all my online activities, often without my knowledge. It’s not going away, and warrants concern for our youth.
Children who use the internet use AI.
So, Christian parents and educators face a major challenge. They must approach the ever-changing digital threats children face with wisdom while avoiding fearful or impulsive reactions. This requires thoughtful consideration but also a hopeful, heaven-centered mindset.
While raising children spiritually awake and grounded in truth, instill a deep sense of ethical responsibility. In an unknown future, children need to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This entails the basics of education, finding creative sparks, and staying tech-aware. Safeguarding children online remains crucial, so establish strong parental controls. Have open discussions with children about these precautions, the addictive nature, and the temptations of this alluring tool. Limit young children’s screen time and skip smart toys to preserve early development.
Neither Passive acceptance nor blind reaction helps the outlook for children. Plus, shielding them from AI’s dark side, while acknowledging its permanence, demands a tailored approach for each home and classroom. Prayerfully consider these things, remembering the end goal.
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14
Above all, seek to align youth’s hearts with the Lord and to follow his design for their lives. Help them find meaning and direction as they face an unpredictable future. Fill them with Christ’s love while tending to the ache in their soul for a spiritual purpose.
That is how we equip them to navigate an uncertain future.
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