What is artificial intelligence? 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is technology that focuses on creating systems to perform tasks that would usually require human intelligence. 

This might include recognising patterns, solving problems and making decisions. It can also include generative AI programmes which can be used to create or manipulate written content, images, videos and sounds.  

AI is used as an umbrella term that covers many different applications, and is often used to refer to machine learning. AI is already common in our everyday lives: 

• Virtual assistants and chatbots such as Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant 

• Recommendation systems such as suggested films or music on streaming service 

• Self-driving cars, which make driving decisions based on sensor data 

Applications of AI in education 

As AI becomes increasingly common in everyday life, it is inevitably present in education. It can be applied in learning environments in several ways: 

• Adaptive learning platforms 

• Automated tutoring systems 

• Grading assessment tools 

• Learning management systems 

This can save time for teachers and school staff while giving children a more personalised learning experience. 

However, AI systems that operate autonomously can make decisions that impact children's learning and development. It’s key that these decisions are aligned with educational and developmental goals – and that they are based on accurate information.

AI can give inaccurate (that is, made up) responses if it doesn't have all the information, so it is essential to keep this in mind where AI systems are used or relied on in education settings. 

Children and AI: what are the impacts? 

While AI is often talked about in terms of the risks, it does have potential benefits for children’s learning and development: 

• Promoting cognitive development 

• Supporting social and emotional learning 

• Supporting language development 

In education, AI supports personalised learning, improved engagement and can be especially useful for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It also provides tools for innovation and creative expression. 

However, it’s important that children and education settings don't become over-reliant  on these systems, as this can have an adverse impact on children's development of the very skills AI promises to support. 

The potential risks of AI 

While there are benefits, AI also poses potential risks. These include: 

• Exposure to inappropriate content 

• Spread of misinformation 

• Addiction to digital devices 

• Cyberbullying and online harassment 

• Impact on body image and self-esteem 

• Concerns around privacy and data security 

• Profiling (where an algorithm creates a detailed profile of a child based on their activity) 

There are also ethical considerations around bias in AI algorithms, which can lead to discriminatory practices. 

Generative AI tools –  – pose a particular risk.  found that generative AI is being used to bully, sexually harass, groom, extort, and mislead children. 

Because it can manipulate images and videos as well as create them, generative AI makes it easier than ever for children to view and share inappropriate content of themselves and their peers. 

While this has obvious implications of sexual harassment, there is also a high potential for bullying and discrimination such as homophobia – NSPCC’s research included a quote from one teenager: “a group of boys at school used deepfake to make a video of me saying I’m gay”. 

AI and safeguarding 

Safeguarding means protecting children from harm, abuse and exploitation. In terms of AI, this means ensuring digital tools are safe and don’t expose children to harmful or inappropriate content. 

It also means ensuring children have the media literacy and critical thinking skills to understand the positive and negative impacts of using AI. 

Because AI is often used privately, it can be difficult to monitor a child’s usage – but as it becomes more prevalent in their lives, it is essential we continue monitoring the potential risks and supporting them with the education and critical thinking skills to use these tools safely. 

It’s important school staff such as teachers and designated safeguarding leads are familiar with AI, including common applications and the risk it poses for children. 

Do you have the knowledge to help children use AI safely?

In a rapidly changing digital world, it's key that school staff and leaders have the understanding to help children and young people use AI platforms safely. 

���ܰ���safeguarding training empowers schools and trusts with a range of courses that strengthen your knowledge and skills to address safeguarding, wellbeing, and health and safety.

Access our course  to develop your skills and better support children to stay safe online.