Parental education level affects children's AI usage patterns

how they are engaging with AI, rather than simply whether they have access to the technology.

- Syarafana Shafeeq

Close to 16 per cent of children aged eight to nine were categorised in the study as “gaming-dominant”, which means they used AI mainly for gaming several times a week, and less so for other purposes.

Another 17 per cent of this age group were classified as “studying and gaming-dominant”, which meant they used AI around once to several times a week for both schoolwork and gaming.

Among those who use AI for studying, activities largely included translating languages, solving maths or science problems, and learning new concepts.

For children using AI for gaming, the games included AI Dungeon, a role-playing game where players use AI to create adventures for their character, and modified versions of Minecraft, where players can use generative AI. These AI modifications can allow players to create companions to play alongside them, or connect with in-game AI assistants that answer questions.