Mum, why is the news saying people are being made redundant because of AI?

Many families are currently asking themselves this question because artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly finding its way into our everyday lives and the world of work. The news often reports that people could lose their jobs because machines and programmes are taking over more and more tasks. But why is this the case? And what does this mean in concrete terms for families and professions? I would like to explain these topics in an open and understandable way and explain how parents can support their children when such questions arise.

What's behind the question "Mum, why is the news saying people are being made redundant because of AI?"

Artificial intelligence is increasingly replacing activities that were previously carried out by humans, especially in areas with a lot of repetition or large amounts of data. Studies show that around 27 per cent of companies in Germany expect AI to lead to job cuts over the next five years[1][2]. The automation of processes is being driven forward intensively, particularly in industry and retail.

Parents often report that their children are worried when they hear such news. For example, a six-year-old often asks: "Mum, why is the news saying people are being made redundant because of AI?" Or another mum says that her child is afraid of being replaced by a machine at some point.

A practical example: a father talks about how his child asked if robots would soon take over all his favourite tasks. This allows parents to have valuable conversations to share and relativise fears.

Which professions are particularly affected?

Risk groups are primarily jobs with repetitive activities, such as in production, retail or data acquisition. At the same time, however, new job profiles are emerging, such as AI trainers, data scientists and machine maintenance specialists[1]. Another practical example: A mother reports that her son now asks exciting questions about robotics at school and takes part in digital workshops, which provides positive impetus.

Parents can thus encourage their children to take an interest in new technology topics and help to turn fears into curiosity.

"Mum, why is the news saying people are being made redundant because of AI?" - How parents can provide calm and guidance

When children ask these questions, it is helpful to answer honestly and in an age-appropriate way. Parents can explain that AI is a tool that supports people, but also changes them. Many professions will change, so lifelong learning is important.

Practical tips for everyday life:

• Talking together about different professions and their future.
• Attend courses or workshops that prepare children for the digital world (e.g. at kikidz.org).
• Gain experience with technical devices in a playful way to reduce fear of contact.

One mother explains: "I told my child that machines can do many things that help them. But people can dream, be creative and feel - no AI can replace that."

The best training for families: kikidz.org

Providers like kikidz.org offer practical training courses especially for children and parents. Families learn together what artificial intelligence means, how it is changing our everyday lives and how to deal with the innovations in a relaxed manner. This makes the topic tangible and can turn fears into understanding.

Parents report that their children can better categorise many questions after such courses and feel more confident in the digital world. This training provides valuable support in dealing with the changes that are also affecting labour market developments shaped by AI, such as job cuts.

Mum, why is the news saying people are being made redundant because of AI? - A look ahead

Finally, it is important to emphasise that AI not only brings challenges, but also opportunities. It helps us to better master creative and complex tasks. At the same time, politics, business and society must work together to ensure the necessary qualifications and social security.

Many parents would therefore like to see more programmes to prepare their children for a future with AI. The question "Mum, why is the news saying people are being made redundant because of AI?" can thus become an impetus for a constructive debate that opens up new perspectives.

BEST PRACTICE for parents and teachers "My son has often asked whether one day he will no longer have a job because robots will take over everything. Together, we have learnt that AI creates many new opportunities and that we can be curious about his own future."

My analysis

The question "Mum, why is the news saying people are being made redundant because of AI?" reflects legitimate concerns that many families have today. The world of work is changing noticeably due to artificial intelligence - jobs are disappearing, while at the same time new opportunities are emerging with new job profiles. Parents can support children by communicating openly, taking fears seriously and focussing on opportunities. Offers such as kikidz.org offer valuable support and practical educational impulses. In this way, the complex topic of AI can become understandable and become a constructive part of family discussions.

Further links from the text above:

AI 2025: Are we at risk of losing our jobs - or will AI bring prosperity? - Industry magazine
A quarter of companies anticipate job cuts due to AI - Ifo Institute
Children and artificial intelligence - kikidz.org

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