Dad, what happens if I don't have any AI skills?
Children and young people are increasingly asking their parents the question: Dad, what will happen if I don't have any AI skills? Parents realise that the world is changing rapidly and want to prepare their children for the future in the best possible way. Today, artificial intelligence permeates almost all areas of life, from school and the labour market to everyday life. Learning the basics of AI at an early age will provide a solid foundation for the digital future.
Why AI skills are important for children
Artificial intelligence is no longer just a vision of the future, but part of our everyday lives. Children who understand how AI works can use digital tools safely and responsibly. They learn to scrutinise algorithms and deal critically with automated decisions. Those who do not engage with AI risk losing touch with key developments. In addition, initial knowledge of AI helps children to develop creative solutions and solve problems independently.
Possible hurdles without AI knowledge
A lack of knowledge in the field of AI can lead to challenges. Children may have difficulties understanding technical contexts or using digital media competently. In everyday school life, tasks that contain AI elements are becoming increasingly relevant, for example in research, presentations or computer science lessons. Basic knowledge of artificial intelligence is also increasingly in demand later in professional life, as many professions are characterised by automation and digitalisation.
Parents often report that their children are insecure when confronted with new technologies. Many wonder whether they are at a disadvantage without AI skills. In fact, a lack of basic knowledge can make participation in digital processes more difficult because children may have fewer opportunities for exciting projects or jobs.
Another example: Discussions often arise among friends about apps, games or social media that are based on AI. If you want to have a say here, you need at least a basic understanding. Anyone who has no idea about AI will quickly feel excluded or overwhelmed.
Dad, what happens if I don't have AI skills? - Three everyday examples
Parents often contact me with specific questions about how they can support their children in dealing with AI. Typical topics are
- My child wants to start a robotics project at school, but has no idea about programming basics.
- Homework requires the use of digital tools, but my daughter doesn't dare to try them out.
- My son asks why his favourite game makes some decisions „as if by itself“ and wants to understand this better.
These examples show how present AI already is in children's everyday lives. Those who do not familiarise themselves with the basics are missing out on opportunities to actively participate in the digital world.
Myths and misconceptions about AI for children
Many parents believe that artificial intelligence is too complex for children. This is not true. With age-appropriate explanations and practical examples, young people can also be inspired by the topic. The aim is not to create little programming geniuses, but to arouse curiosity and understanding.
Another myth: AI is replacing human intelligence. In fact, humans and machines complement each other because AI primarily takes on repetitive tasks, while creativity and empathy remain human strengths[1].
Parents are also concerned about data protection and security. Education is important here: children learn what data they disclose and how they can protect themselves online. This helps them develop a sense of security when using digital technologies.
BEST PRACTICE for parents and teachers
Our son (9 years old) is interested in robots. We put together a simple construction kit together and tried out the first programming steps. In doing so, we playfully discussed how machines make decisions. Our aim was not perfection, but to discover things together. Today, he no longer asks: Dad, what happens if I don't have any AI skills? Instead, he wants to know how he can continue learning and what experiments are possible. The training course at https://kikidz.org has provided us with excellent support - age-appropriate, understandable and with lots of practical examples for home and school.
How parents can provide targeted support for their children
There are many ways to introduce children to the topic of AI. Parents can try out apps or games that contain AI elements together. Discussions about data protection and algorithms help to develop a critical awareness. Open questions such as „Dad, what happens if I don't have any AI skills?“ offer the opportunity to learn together.
Courses such as those at https://kikidz.org teach the basics in a fun way and offer children a structured introduction. AI topics can be integrated into everyday life in small steps, for example when cooking together with digital recipes or analysing weather apps. This makes artificial intelligence understandable and suitable for everyday use.
Parents can also look specifically for school programmes that promote digital skills. Many schools offer robotics clubs or programming courses where children can realise their own projects. Talking to other parents also helps to gather ideas and overcome uncertainties.
My conclusion: The importance of AI skills in childhood
Artificial intelligence is not a fashionable topic, but an essential part of the modern world. Children who engage with AI at an early age benefit in many ways: they strengthen their self-confidence in dealing with technology, develop problem-solving skills and can react flexibly to changes later on. The question „Dad, what happens if I don't know anything about AI?“ shows how important it is to give children answers and perspectives.
It is not about pressure, but about arousing curiosity and creating space to try things out. Parents can show their children that AI is not a closed book, but an exciting journey of discovery. With suitable offers such as https://kikidz.org, the first steps can be taken easily and playfully - for a future in which children actively shape the digital world.
My analysis
Artificial intelligence is changing our society forever. Children growing up today will live in a world in which digital skills are becoming increasingly important. The question „Dad, what happens if I don't have any AI skills?“ is therefore more than justified. It reflects the uncertainty of many families who are wondering how they can prepare their children for an uncertain future.
Parents and teachers can make a decisive contribution through education, practical examples and targeted support. It is worth getting children interested in technical topics at an early age without overwhelming them. Programmes such as https://kikidz.org provide a particularly low-threshold and sustainable introduction to the world of artificial intelligence.
Further links from the text above:
Advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence (it-wegweiser.de)
AI for beginners - Simple explanations (ionos.de)
Advantages and disadvantages of AI in software development (aplus-it.de)
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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