Children often ask: "Mum, why are so many parents afraid of AI?". This question is very understandable, as artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing our lives. Many parents feel insecure about this technology. They want to protect their children, but at the same time want to promote the correct use of AI. In this article, you will find out the reasons behind this fear, what opportunities AI offers and how parents can best support their children.

Mum, why are many parents afraid of AI? - Causes of uncertainty

Many parents fear that the rapid development of AI will cause them to lose track of things. They feel a loss of control and worry about handing over their "expert status" in dealing with technology to their children, who often understand it more quickly. This fear of speed and constant learning is understandable because the change from typewriters to computers to AI has been very rapid in just a few years[1].

Example 1: A mother reports that she is often overwhelmed by new apps and AI programmes in everyday life and cannot explain exactly how the technology works.

Example 2: A father says that he is afraid that his children could be supported too much in their learning by AI and think less independently.

Example 3: Some parents are concerned about data protection, as AI often collects large amounts of personal data that could be misused[2][4].

How data protection and ethical issues are fuelling fear of AI

Data protection is a key issue for parents. They want to know where their children's data ends up and who has access to it. There is also concern that AI can spread false or manipulated content, for example through "deepfakes" or targeted filter bubbles[2]. Parents express examples of such concerns in many conversations:

- A mum wonders what data her child's learning app collects and whether it is secure.
- A father is unsure whether his child will be able to think critically on their own later on due to excessive AI-supported assistance.
- A couple of parents report how difficult it is to judge the ethical boundaries when using AI, especially with social media.

Mum, why are many parents afraid of AI? - Effects on school and learning behaviour

Parents see many challenges in school in particular: Concerns that AI will be used as a "cheating aid" or that children will learn less independently often characterise the negative attitude[3][6]. At the same time, many recognise this change as an opportunity if AI provides individual support and relieves the burden on teachers.

Best practice 1: A teacher reports on how she uses AI tools to individualise homework and thus boost the child's motivation.

Best practice 2: A father observed that his son gained more self-confidence through the supportive use of AI in maths.

Best practice 3: A mother explains that she and her child reflect together on how AI content can be critically scrutinised.

Tips for parents on how to use AI safely and consciously

Parents can do the following to reduce anxiety and make children strong:

• Inform yourself about the basics of AI - so you feel more confident when talking to your children.
• Set clear rules for the use of AI applications to protect data privacy.
• Support your children in dealing with AI and encourage critical thinking through joint reflection.
• Use training courses such as kikidz.orgthat specifically help parents to better understand the digital world and AI.

Mum, why are many parents afraid of AI? - My analysis

Many parents' fear of artificial intelligence is based on understandable concerns such as loss of control, data protection and unclear effects on children's development. At the same time, it is clear that these fears can be allayed with knowledge, openness and appropriate guidance.

The question "Mum, why are so many parents afraid of AI?" is an opportunity to start a dialogue and work together to provide impetus for responsible behaviour. The training kikidz.org offers excellent support to help parents answer these questions and guide their children safely through the digital world.

Further links from the text above:

kikidz.org - Training for parents on children and artificial intelligence

Where does the fear of technology come from? - taz

Parents in Focus 2025 - Körber Foundation

AI for children - opportunities and risks - TravellyKids

Artificial intelligence for parents - Boran-Parot

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