Generative AI: guide for parents and carers

The use of gen AI is growing, and the appeal is obvious. Figures from the National Literacy Trust’s 2023 to 2024 Annual Literacy Survey show that:

• the percentage of children aged 13 to 18 that have used AI has more than doubled, from 37% in 2023 to 77% in 2024
• reasons for engaging with AI are varied and reflect many of the facets of teenage life
• entertainment, curiosity, homework and seeking inspiration are common reasons children use gen AI

Support with schoolwork

Many learners use tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini to help with homework, research, and studying. Gen AI can also be used to generate summaries of complex topics, provide explanations and even suggest ideas for essays or projects. It is easy to paste a complex piece of text in and ask the AI to simplify the text or ask it to explain a task in a more accessible way.

Creative projects

For young creatives, Gen AI tools such as DALL-E and Microsoft Copilot (Image) are useful for generating unique artwork or design ideas. These can be used in school projects, hobbies, or even online content creation. AI tools can bring imaginative concepts to life, making them helpful to those with even limited artistic skills.

Social media content

Gen AI tools like My AI on Snapchat can be used to:

• generate quick responses
• craft unique messages
• create images that can be shared with friends on social platforms

These tools allow young people to maintain a consistent presence on social media. They do this by producing, with minimal effort, content that is creative, witty or visually appealing.

Gen AI tools themselves do not provide social networking opportunities or a means to message on the platform. Instead, they can play a significant role in enhancing social interaction among young users.