Parental Care Patterns In The Digital Age Help Children Assess Information And Avoid AI Bias

Illustration of parenting in the digital era. (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Today's children are growing up with the sophistication of the digital era and smart devices, so the ability to understand how artificial intelligence (AI) works is an important part of the learning process.

For example, the presence of AI that is already present in many aspects of life, ranging from educational games to learning applications so that AI literacy is no longer just technical knowledge, but life skills that help children assess information, think critically, and use technology responsibly.

This condition makes parenting in the digital era undergo major changes, such as parents not only supervising the use of devices, but also guiding children to understand how technology works.

One of the important skills that today's children need to have is the ability to critically assess information including understanding that AI, although sophisticated, can still produce biases. Without the right direction, children are easily exposed to misinformation, depending on technology, or receiving AI answers without in-depth thinking processes.

Ken Shelton, an education technology expert from the United States, acknowledged this. He said that today's generation grows in the environment where AI is present as something that is commonly encountered, both through chatbots, educational applications, and digital personalization services. He said, the current technology is only the beginning of future developments.

"The current AI version is the worst version ever," he said at a Parent Workshop entitled "Extinguishing Digital Thinkers: Helping Children Develop in the AI Era" held by the HighScope Indonesia Institute in a statement to VOI.

Seeing the presence of AI which is an integral part of life, cooperation between schools and families is increasingly needed in terms of literacy. The habitability of AI from an early age is considered important so that children are not only passive users, but are able to consider the benefits and risks.

The Redea team also conveyed the AI literacy framework that was integrated to various levels, from PAUD to SMA. The framework focuses not only on the use of AI, but also on understanding, critical assessment, and ethical responsibility in utilizing technology.

AI literacy is described as the ability to understand, evaluate, and use AI wisely so that tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini can support learning.

This approach is carried out in stages starting from the consumption stage (for example using Siri or Bee-Bots), continuing to create (coding and problem solving), to the intervention stage, which is to encourage students to create new technological solutions. Parents are also involved through digital literacy sessions as well as psychological assistance related to the use of technology and emotional health.

In the workshop, Shelton also invited participants to try directly how algorithmic bias can appear in the AI system. The Redea Institute shows examples of how large language models (Large Language Models/LLM) can produce answers that are inclined to certain perspectives.

"AI is not the authority of truth. We are the ones who hold that authority. Our job is to ask questions, verify, and teach children to do the same. Today's generation of students will never live in a world without the presence of AI," said Shelton.

Parents who attended the event both directly and online expressed hope that AI technology could support the learning process, increase learning effectiveness, and help children think more structuredly.

However, various concerns also arise, ranging from potential dependence to the risk of misuse of technology to cheat or spread disinformation. These challenges make the role of schools in building critical mindsets increasingly important, including teaching students to distinguish facts from misinformation in the midst of the fast flow of digital information.

Responding to these aspirations, the Redea Institute said that AI literacy not only emphasizes technical aspects, but also moral values such as empathy, responsibility, and awareness of the impact of the use of technology in everyday life.

On the same occasion, Shelton had a dialogue with junior high and high school students about their views on technological developments and future challenges. This conversation shows the importance of discussion spaces that involve various generations to build mental readiness and digital skills.

In addition to providing sessions for parents, Shelton also leads a series of trainings for PAUD to SMA teachers at the HighScope Indonesia TB School. Simatupang and educators from Redea Institute fostered schools.

His presence marks the continuation of the cooperation that has been established, including his involvement in the 2024 Redea International Conference and activities to strengthen educators' capacity the following year.

Teachers' active participation is an important element to ensure AI literacy runs consistently in the classroom. Antarina SF Amir, Founder and CEO of the Redea Institute, expressed her appreciation to the parents and educators involved in the workshop.

"Now is the time for us to rethink the role of artificial intelligence in education and how we can prepare children as digital thinkers who are ready to face future challenges."