The Importance of Teaching Children to Think Critically, Psychologist: So They Are Not Spoiled by AI

A number of students at one of the schools tried the Microsleep application system based on Artificial Intelligence (AI)

JAKARTA - Clinical psychologist who graduated from the University of Indonesia, Adityana Kasadravati Putranto, encouraged parents to teach their children critical thinking processes so that they do not become accustomed to relying on instant results from technology, including artificial intelligence (AI).

"Teach children not only to receive information from AI, but also to question and analyze the answers given. Discuss with them about how AI works and the potential errors that may occur," said Adityana as reported by ANTARA, Saturday.

It is also necessary to instill a mindset that AI is only a tool, not a substitute for children's efforts. Parents are advised to invite them to be creative and complete tasks in a way that involves personal thought and effort.

"Discuss with children about the importance of honesty and integrity in using AI. Teach them about plagiarism and how to use technology in an ethical way," he said.

The psychologist who is a member of the Indonesian Clinical Psychologists Association also emphasized the importance of parental guidance when children use AI, including limiting usage time and choosing safe applications.

According to him, parents should be involved in the use of AI by children, not only as supervisors, but also as companions.

"This includes discussing what children are learning and how they are using the technology," he said.

It is also important to set time limits for using technology because too much time in front of the screen can interfere with children's physical and mental health. Therefore, Adityana recommends parents to create a balanced schedule between study time and play time.

In using AI, Adityana reminds us to choose applications that have been tested and are safe for children. Applications of unclear origin should be avoided and ensure that the content provided is appropriate for the child's age.

"Make sure children remain involved in social interactions and physical activities. The use of AI should not replace the learning experience gained from direct interaction with others," he concluded.