In India, 77 percent of people use generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools for educational purposes, while 20 percent use them for personal interests and a smaller fraction i.e., 2 percent for social-emotional support and life skills, as per a recent survey. These findings are based on a report titled ‘Enhancing Children’s Learning and Critical Thinking Skills in the Age of Generative AI’ conducted by public policy research firm Gateway Consulting.
The report, which surveyed parents across major urban centres in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad, aims to offer practical recommendations for parents and educators to ensure the responsible use of GenAI in supporting children’s learning.
Key concerns highlighted in the report include the risks associated with children’s use of GenAI, such as hidden biases, overreliance on AI-generated information, inaccuracies and a lack of socio-emotional understanding. Additionally, issues surrounding age verification and child safety were noted. In response to these challenges, the report provides a comprehensive guide for parents and educators, focussing on three primary areas: understanding GenAI, educating children about its capabilities and limitations and providing guidance on its effective use.
The survey examined children over the age of four who had access to devices such as smartphones, laptops, tablets or computers. It found that the majority of children (60 percent) over the age of 10 accessed GenAI at least once a week.
The purpose of using GenAI, around 77 percent said it was for educational purposes, such as understanding topics, subjects and concepts (35 percent), gaining general knowledge (26 percent) and completing homework assignments (12 percent). About 20 percent used it to explore personal hobbies and interests, with 12 percent using the tools to improve language and vocabulary and 8 percent to navigate interests like sports, games, music and books. Only 2 percent used GenAI for social and emotional support in dealing with life situations.
Although children use GenAI extensively, the report reveals a serious gap in guidance, with 61 percent of parents admitting they do not give instructions on responsible usage. This emphasises the need for informed strategies to harness GenAI’s potential while mitigating its risks.
Parents had mixed feelings about GenAI’s potential to enhance critical thinking. While 37 percent acknowledged its benefits, 26 percent remained sceptical and 37 percent were neutral on the matter. Notably, even among this educated urban demographic, 61 percent of parents admitted to not guiding their children on how to use GenAI responsibly.
In response to the survey findings, Tushar Gandhi, founder of Gateway Consulting, said, “Our research reveals both the immense potential and the challenges posed by GenAI for children’s learning and critical thinking. While GenAI can support children in meeting diverse learning goals, they must be guided on how to use these tools responsibly and develop their independent critical thinking skills.”
Mansi Kedia, senior fellow at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), added, “GenAI tools should not be viewed as inherently good or bad. Rather, they should be seen as tools for enhancing our learning and critical thinking. People are prone to becoming complacent and dependent on them; hence, it is important that we know how to use them responsibly. We need step-by-step guidance on how we can use GenAI to our advantage and to support our thinking abilities.”
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