Survey Reveals 77% of Children Rely on Gen AI Tools for Schoolwork
A recent survey conducted by Gateway Consulting highlights that a significant majority—77%—of children in India are utilizing Generative AI (Gen AI) tools to aid their educational endeavors. Among children aged 10 and above in major metropolitan areas, 60% are reported to access Gen AI tools at least once a week, primarily for learning purposes. Meanwhile, 20% of these young users engage with Gen AI to explore personal interests.
The study, titled ‘Enhancing Children’s Learning and Critical Thinking Skills in the Age of Generative AI,’ also underscores a smaller percentage (2%) of children turning to these tools for social-emotional support and life skills development. The report gathers insights from parents in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad, aiming to offer actionable advice for both parents and educators on fostering responsible Gen AI usage.
Key Concerns and Parental Guidance Gaps
While Gen AI presents new opportunities for children’s education, the report raises several concerns, such as the risk of hidden biases, overdependence on AI-generated information, potential inaccuracies, and the lack of emotional intelligence in AI tools. Another significant issue is the challenge of ensuring age verification and child safety online. The report provides a thorough guide to help parents and educators navigate these concerns, focusing on understanding Gen AI, educating children about its capabilities and limitations, and offering practical tips on its effective use.
Children’s Use of Gen AI: An Educational Tool or More?
The survey also delves into the specific reasons children turn to Gen AI. The majority (77%) use it for educational purposes, such as enhancing their understanding of subjects (35%), broadening general knowledge (26%), and completing homework (12%). Additionally, 20% use Gen AI to engage with their hobbies and interests, with 12% focusing on language improvement and 8% on sports, games, music, and books. Only 2% of children seek social-emotional support through these tools.
The Need for Parental Guidance
Despite the growing use of Gen AI among children, the survey found that 61% of parents do not provide guidance on how to use these tools responsibly. This gap in parental oversight is a cause for concern, particularly as opinions on Gen AI’s impact on critical thinking are mixed. While 37% of parents recognize its potential benefits, another 26% are skeptical, and 37% remain neutral.
Experts Weigh In on the Future of Gen AI in Education
Tushar Gandhi, founder of Gateway Consulting, commented on the survey’s findings, emphasizing the dual nature of Gen AI in education. “Our research indicates that while Gen AI holds great promise for enhancing children’s learning, it also poses significant challenges. It’s essential that children are taught to use these tools responsibly and to develop independent critical thinking skills,” he said.
Mansi Kedia, a senior fellow at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), added, “Gen AI should be viewed as a tool for learning and critical thinking, not as a crutch. We need to ensure that users, especially young ones, receive proper guidance on how to use these tools effectively to support their cognitive development.”