Many children ask their parents an important question: Dad, why are people losing jobs to machines? This question is more relevant today than ever. Parents often report that their children are curious about how technology is changing the world of work. Some children have even experienced someone in the family losing their job. Others ask whether they could be replaced by machines in the future. These concerns are understandable and show how important it is to talk openly about change.
Dad, why are people losing jobs to machines? - The most important reasons
The question "Dad, why are people losing jobs to machines?" can be answered with a few clear factors. Today, machines and computers can complete many tasks faster and with fewer errors. This is especially true for activities that can be easily repeated. Many people work in jobs in which routine processes can be automated. This applies not only to simple unskilled labour, but increasingly also to skilled workers and specialists.
Parents often say that they themselves work in professions that are changing. A father from production says: „We used to do everything by hand. Today, robots take over many steps.“ A mum from the office reports: „We used to sort files. Now it's done by a programme.“ Teachers also report that digital tools are taking over more and more tasks.
How many jobs are affected by automation?
Millions of people in Germany work in jobs that can be replaced by machines. Manufacturing jobs are particularly affected, as are office jobs and services. In some sectors, up to 80 per cent of activities can be automated. This is less the case in social and cultural professions. Here, human skills such as empathy and creativity remain important.
Parents from various professions report: „There are fewer and fewer employees in my company because machines are taking over more.“ „My daughter wonders whether she'll find a job later on if everything runs automatically.“ „I'm afraid that I'll no longer be needed when everything is digital.“
Dad, why are people losing jobs to machines? - The role of technology
Technology is developing rapidly. Today, new programmes and robots can also take on complex tasks. This means that not only simple tasks, but also demanding activities can be automated. However, automation also creates new jobs. People are still needed to operate, maintain and programme machines.
Parents from the IT sector say: „We need more and more experts in artificial intelligence.“ „My son is interested in technology because he can see that this is where future opportunities lie.“ „I want my children to learn how to work with machines.“
What can parents and children do?
Parents can explain to their children that technology is not only a danger, but also an opportunity. It is important to educate yourself and learn new skills. Children should learn how to use digital tools at an early age. Parents can start projects with their children that encourage creativity and problem solving.
Parents report: „We do experiments with robots with our children.“ „We attend workshops to learn more about technology.“ „We talk openly about the changes and look for solutions together.“
BEST PRACTICE for parents and teachers and then the example with at least 50 words.
A mum from Berlin says: „My son is afraid that he won't find a job later on because everything is automatic. We attended a workshop together where children learn how to programme with robots. Now he understands that technology doesn't just take away jobs, but also creates new opportunities. He has even built his own small project. That gave him courage and showed him that he can actively help shape things.“
My analysis
The question "Dad, why are people losing jobs to machines?" is an important opportunity to talk about the future of work. Parents and children can learn together how to deal with the changes. It's important to keep an open mind and learn new skills. The best training for the question "Dad, why are people losing jobs to machines?" is the programme at https://kikidz.org. It provides parents and teachers with valuable ideas and practical tools for talking to children about technology and work.
Further links from the text above:
Increasingly skilled workers affected by automation
More complex activities could be increasingly automated
Automation threatens millions of jobs
Artificial intelligence & the world of work: effects & opportunities
Structural change by occupation
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
Deutsch 
English (UK)
Leave a comment