Parents And Teachers' Digital Literacy Is Effective In Preventing Children From Depending On AI

JAKARTA - Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Nezar Patria, emphasized the importance of increasing digital literacy for parents and teachers to prevent children's dependence on artificial intelligence (AI)-based platforms and devices.

According to Nezar, the use of AI technology from an early age opens up opportunities for new learning, but without proper assistance it can actually hinder children's critical thinking skills.

"What we are worried about is that children will not become smarter because of AI, but actually experience a rot brain whose brain is not used optimally because everything depends on AI," he said in a press statement from the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, Sunday (9/11).

He explained that parents and teachers who have an in-depth understanding of digital literacy and AI technology will be better able to direct and guide children to use technology in a healthy and productive manner.

In his meeting with representatives of the Indonesia AI Institute at the Office of the Ministry of Communication and Digital, Central Jakarta, Thursday (6/11), Nezar expressed his appreciation for the institution's initiative to educate the public about the use of safe and ethical AI.

Nezar also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and research institutions AI to encourage the development of digital talent in the field of artificial intelligence and increase public awareness of the social and ethical impacts of this new technology.

The Ministry of Communication and Digital, said Nezar, has implemented a number of strategic programs such as AI Talent Factory which aims to produce global standard AI experts.

"We want to prepare AI talents who are not only users, but also developers. For that, we need an ecosystem that supports their ability to grow," he explained.

In addition to human resource development, the government is also strengthening the regulatory framework to ensure that the implementation of AI technology in Indonesia is carried out ethically, safely, and responsibly.

So far, the ministry has issued Circular Letter Number 9 of 2023 concerning Artificial Intelligence Ethics. In addition, the government is preparing a National AI Roadmap and a Presidential Regulation on AI Ethics as a guide in the development and use of AI technology in various sectors.