The principal of a Clare secondary school claims students are ‘seasoned users’ of Artificial Intelligence by the time they reach first year.
It comes as new research shows a spike in the usage of AI chatbots among young children.
The report from CyberSafeKids indicates that students as young as eight have accessed generative AI bots.
26% of kids aged between eight and 12 admitted use of artificial intelligence, while usage jumps to 36% among students aged 12-15.
“Looking up information” was found to be the most popular use of chatbots, with “generating homework assignments” and “asking for advice” also common uses among children.
Principal at Mary Immaculate Secondary School in Lisdoonvarna, Mona Hynes says schools must improve their pastoral care efforts to guide students toward the correct channels of accessing support.
An assistant principal at an Ennis primary school is calling for urgent intense regulations on AI, regardless of pushback from tech giants.
The report also shows that 93% of kids aged 8-12 own some form of smart device, despite phone ownership dropping to just 39%.
Despite age verification attempts, meanwhile, 71% of kids in the same age bracket have accessed social media sites designed for those aged 13 or older, with three in ten reporting that they accessed distressing content, including that of a sexual nature.
Assistant Principal at CBS Primary Ennis, Colm Daveron, says children’s online safety has to be paramount.
You can listen to the full interview here:
