Hello all!
What was supposed to be a one-month break somehow turned into the whole summer.
Oops.
But honestly, I needed it.
A lot of really cool things happened over the past few months, both with AI for Kids and across the bigger work we’re doing around AI literacy for children and families. I can’t wait to update you on all of it over the next few weeks alongside the news.
But first: we’re back.
And so are the kids.
Backpacks are packed. New shoes are already getting scuffed up. Teachers are settling into their classrooms. Parents are getting back into the rhythm of drop-offs, pickups, homework, activities, and trying to remember which day somebody needs to bring something to school.
And this year, there is another thing showing up in classrooms and homes more than ever:
AI.
Not just ChatGPT.
AI is showing up in search, learning platforms, writing tools, recommendations, apps, and products kids are already using.
So the conversation can’t just be about whether kids will use AI.
They already are. Even if we don’t think they are. Plenty of studies have confirmed it.
I personally think we have to start asking: How do we help kids navigate AI without letting it do all the thinking for them?
That’s what I talked about in our first AI for Kids podcast episode back. I shared five simple rules I want kids, and the adults around them. to keep in mind this school year:
🧠 Brain before bot.
Kids need the chance to think, struggle, try, get something wrong, and try again before turning to AI.👩🏽🏫 Teacher before tool.
Every classroom is going to have different AI rules. Kids need to know what is and isn’t allowed before they use it for schoolwork.🤖 Check the robot.
AI can sound incredibly confident and still be completely wrong. We have to teach kids to question it, verify information, and use trustworthy sources.🔒 Private means private.
Kids should understand that personal information, passwords, addresses, schedules, private photos, and family information don’t belong in an AI tool.❤️ People before programs.
AI can help explain a concept or quiz a child before a test. It cannot replace a parent, teacher, counselor, doctor, coach, auntie, uncle, or another trusted adult.
And maybe the biggest reminder for all of us: Being AI literate does not mean using AI all the time.
Sometimes the smartest technology decision is still: I got this. (Because yes you do.)
Read the book. Work through the problem. Draw the picture. Ask a teacher. Talk to a parent. Go outside. Use that incredible human brain.
That’s the kind of AI literacy I want us building with kids.
So welcome back.
I’m excited to spend another school year helping parents, educators, and kids make sense of AI without all the hype, fear, and jargon.
And like I said, a lot happened over the summer. I’ll be sharing more about that over the next few weeks, right alongside the AI news you came here for.
Speaking of which...
AI for Kids News Weekly officially returns next week. 📰
Until then, stay curious.
Best,
Amber Ivey (AI)