In this blog, Safeguarding Adviser, Lucie Welch, looks at the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the risks it poses.

Although it has many positive uses, the dangers involved and how these might impact our most vulnerable children must be considered in all education settings and beyond…

What exactly is AI? 

AI is a type of technology that mimics the human brain’s ability to gather and process information, as well as to organise and present it in an accessible and understandable format. While AI excels at gathering and sorting data, it lacks the human capacity to connect new knowledge with our broader life experiences.  

Within seconds it can search an internet’s-worth of information and find exactly what it has been asked, but as with most things online, users must be sure that the information is fact- not fiction, opinion or fake news! 

AI is reshaping our world, including how educators teach and how children learn. It has the potential to revolutionise education with making it more accessible through innovative tools and personalised learning experiences.  

However, its quick rise to popularity also raises important questions about its impact on teaching roles, student privacy, and ethical considerations.  

Where might children come across AI? 

You might think children have to actively seek out AI, using online platforms such as ChatGPT or Google Gemini- but in fact it is all around them- often without anyone realising.  

Children will come across AI through: 

• Smartphones and tablets: Virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant are all AI-powered.  

• Online games: Many games use AI for character behaviours, creation of new levels or strategizing. 

• Social media: AI algorithms are responsible for the content seen and prioritised on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.  

• Smart home devices: AI controls features in smart speakers, thermostats, and security systems.  

• Online shopping: Many e-commerce site use AI-powered recommendation systems to suggest products based on browsing history and preferences.  

• Customer Service Chatbots: AI-driven chatbots often handle customer enquiries and provide support.  

What are the risks involved? 

AI poses a number of potential dangers for children and young people. One concern is the collection and misuse of personal data. AI systems often gather vast amounts of information about their users, which could then be exploited for targeted advertising/social media content, identity theft, or even more harmful purposes – such as grooming.   

AI algorithms can perpetuate biases or stereotypes present in the data they are trained on, leading to unfair treatment of certain groups of children. Furthermore, the increasing reliance on AI for learning and communication can limit children’s opportunities for face-to-face interactions as well as stifling their own creativity – both of which can potentially affect their social development and emotional wellbeing.  

Often children will see this content and not know how to distinguish what is fact and what is fictitious and untrue; this could lead to manipulation, confusion or even harm.  

How can we teach children to keep themselves safe around AI? 

We cannot deny the rise of AI and we would be doing the children a disservice to not try to get ahead of, or even run alongside, this technological tidal wave. But how do we do this? How can we teach our children to use AI safely, to be mindful of the risks and ask for support if they are worried? 

1. Integrate AI into the curriculum: Incorporate teaching about AI in an age-appropriate way, including related activities throughout the curriculum.  
2. Teach about digital citizenship: Ensure children understand the role they play as digital citizens and emphasise the rules around online safety, including respect for others and avoiding harmful content.  
3. Encourage critical thinking: This is not just for using AI, but within all subject areas- this will allow students to evaluate AI-generated information critically and verify sources.  
4. Address privacy concerns: Teach children how AI collects data – even when they don’t see it happening and discuss the importance of protecting personal information.  
5. Identify fake news: Teach students to recognise and avoid misinformation and check reputable sources, especially when it comes to AI-generated content.  
6. Highlight cyberbullying: Educate students about the dangers of cyberbullying and provide resources for reporting it in your setting and through organisations like CEOP. 
7. Model responsible AI usage: It’s not about demonising all AI but instead demonstrating safe and ethical AI practices in the classroom.  
8. Encourage open discussion and questions: Foster open conversations about AI’s potential benefits and risks, ensure children understand what they are using and why.  
9. Utilise educational resources: Explore online courses, games, and activities that teach about AI and its ethical implications- including DuoLingo Kids, ABCmouse or even Minecraft! 
10. Stay informed: Continuously update your knowledge and that of your staff around AI and its ever-evolving landscape in order to provide effective instruction, spot the signs of misuse or concern and best support children. 

Summary  

As AI becomes increasingly prevalent in our daily lives, it’s imperative to equip children with the knowledge and skills to navigate its potential risks and benefits. By integrating AI-related topics into the curriculum, promoting digital citizenship and fostering critical thinking, teachers and educators can empower students to become responsible digital citizens and fundamentally keep themselves safer online.  

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  About the Author

Lucie Welch – Adviser, Services For Education

Lucie Welch has worked in the field of Primary Education for the last 15 years, holding the positions of Assistant Head of School, Designated Safeguarding Lead, Attendance Lead and Designated Teacher for Looked After Children. Through working across several local authorities and within multi-academy trusts, Lucie has garnered a passion for safeguarding and supporting children and young people to enable them to thrive.

At Services For Education, Lucie is an integral part of the Safeguarding team, sharing her expertise with schools, colleges, trusts, and other educational settings across the city of Birmingham and beyond. Dedicated to improving safeguarding practices in an actionable and impactful way, Lucie works closely with settings to provide bespoke training, supports with reflection on their own practices during Safeguarding audits and always strives to contribute to a better learning environment for all children. Through delivery of statutory training for DSLs and Safer Recruitment, Lucie works with colleagues in all age ranges and is a source of expertise within these areas.

Lucie also wears other important hats within the School Support Team. Not only is she dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of students through her role in safeguarding, but she also plays a key part in the PSHE/RSE and Health for Life teams. Additionally, Lucie partners with the Best Practice Network to deliver the Early Career Framework, supporting new teachers in their professional development.