Dad, are computers getting smarter than children? - An exciting question from everyday life
When children curiously ask: „Dad, are computers getting smarter than children?“, they are touching on a topic that is on the minds of many families today. The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) raises fundamental questions about how we can understand and combine technology and human abilities. Parents are faced with the challenge of answering these questions in a way that is suitable for children and how to use digital technologies productively.
It is important that parents know how computers and AI behave in comparison to children. This shows that although computers are very powerful in individual tasks, overall they often cannot keep up with the versatile intelligence of children[2].
How intelligent are computers compared to children?
Recent studies show that an advanced AI system such as ConceptNet 4 performs at the level of an average four-year-old child in intelligence tests[2]. This means that computers are increasingly able to solve simple vocabulary and logic tasks. However, they often fail in everyday situations that require a sound understanding of human nature, social rules or creative problem solving.
Here are three examples for parents that explain the difference between children's intelligence and computer intelligence:
- A father explains to his child why a computer can store a lot of data but is not so good at understanding what feelings are.
- A mother shows how children decide situations for themselves, while computers only follow pre-programmed rules.
- Parents report that children are often creative in play, while computers only recognise predetermined patterns.
Why children and computers learn differently
Children learn through experience, social interaction and playful discovery. Computers are based on algorithms and data that humans have introduced. Every behaviour of a computer is man-made[6].
Parents can teach their children that computers are programmes that process tasks. However, human intelligence remains broad and flexible, especially when it comes to social and creative skills.
Dad, are computers getting smarter than children? - How parents can support their children in the digital age
Parents often ask themselves how they can empower their children in the digital world. The programme kikidz offers excellent training to teach children about AI and give parents confidence in dealing with the technology[1].
- One father reports how his child developed an interest in programming through kikidz.
- A mother experiences that her child is becoming more self-confident in dealing with digital media.
- Parents realise that talking about AI together reduces anxiety and encourages curiosity.
These training courses give parents practical ideas on how to guide their children safely through the digital future.
Practical tips for everyday life
- Make the topic of „computers and AI“ a common topic of conversation - so the question „Dad, are computers getting smarter than children?“ can be openly clarified.
- Explain that although computers can do a lot of maths, they cannot feel or think creatively like children.
- Use educational programmes that teach digital media and AI in an age-appropriate way, for example from kikidz.
BEST PRACTICE for parents and teachers To understand the digital world, it helps to playfully discover computer principles with children. One father reports: „My son wanted to know why the computer can't just get smarter. Together, we used games to explain the rules and thus strengthen his curiosity.“
Dad, are computers getting smarter than children? - What parents should know
It is understandable if parents feel uncertain about this question. However, experts repeatedly emphasise that AI is a human support and does not replace humans[1][6]. Children have their own unique abilities that go far beyond pure computing power.
Three further practical examples from parents:
- A mother observes how her child processes feelings and social situations better than digital helpers.
- One father explains that computers need clear rules for learning, but that children are curious and ask new questions.
- Parents emphasise that children gain real-world experience through games that computers do not have.
My analysis
The question „Dad, are computers getting smarter than children?“ is a valuable invitation to talk to children about technology and humanity. Computers and AI are powerful tools today, but human intelligence, especially in creativity, social interaction and emotional understanding, remains unique. Parents should utilise these opportunities to prepare children for the digital age from an early age.
Programmes such as kikidz offer excellent support for this. They help parents and children to reduce fears and promote skills that are important when dealing with AI. In this way, technological development becomes an enrichment and not a threat.
Further links from the text above:
kikidz - The best training for parents and children on AI
Computer has the IQ of a four-year-old child
Dads make kids smart - Fathers
For more information and if you have any questions, please contact Contact us or read more blog posts on the topic Children and artificial intelligence here. Click here for the courses: Children and artificial intelligence courses
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