National 4-H Council examined teen and tween use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, specifically generative AI tools such as ChatGPT.
This first-of-its-kind survey, which included 1,510 youth ages 9-17, found that young people want guidance from adults on use of AI tools. It also found that children think generative AI will benefit their education and careers, but express concerns about cheating and privacy.
- Kids have a solid understanding of generative AI: Children between the ages of nine to 17 demonstrate familiarity with generative AI and its capabilities. They are aware of various AI tools and platforms, such as search engines, educational apps, virtual friend apps, and apps that generate text.
- Limited daily engagement with AI tools: Although children have knowledge about AI and AI-powered tools, their daily and weekly usage of these tools is generally low. The exception is search engines, which most kids report using daily. Weekly usage is reported for learning apps/games and apps that listen and type what you say to text or answer questions.
- Kids desire adult involvement in learning AI tools: A significant number of kids express a desire for adult assistance in learning how to use AI tools effectively. They believe that adults can play a role in helping them understand and engage with AI tools.
- Uncertainty about the proper use of AI tools: While many kids use AI-powered tools and ChatGPT for schoolwork, a notable proportion of them are unsure about the correct way to utilize these tools. This suggests a need for clearer guidelines and instructions on the appropriate use of AI tools in educational settings.
- Perceived benefits and concerns about AI: Kids recognize the potential benefits of AI in terms of education, future careers, and asking complex questions. However, they also express concerns about issues such as cheating in school and privacy implications. They understand that not all information generated by AI is accurate or trustworthy.
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