When children ask: Mum, why is the news saying that people are being made redundant because of AI?
More and more parents are hearing this question from their children. The media report daily on artificial intelligence (AI) and many children feel insecure when they hear that machines and programmes could potentially replace jobs. This makes it all the more important for parents to provide answers and support their children's fears.
According to the news, companies in Germany expect artificial intelligence to lead to job losses in the coming years[1]. In fact, according to a recent survey by the Ifo Institute, around 27 per cent of German companies assume that AI will mean job cuts[1][2][3]. On average, these companies expect a reduction in the number of employees of around eight per cent by 2030[1]. Industry, trade, administration and processing are particularly affected because many routine tasks can be taken over by algorithms[4].
Many parents come to me and ask how they should talk to their children about AI and the world of work. They are looking for simple, child-friendly explanations and advice on how to alleviate their fears. Some families want to know which professions are particularly affected and how they can prepare for the change.
What concrete changes will AI bring to the labour market?
Artificial intelligence can perform many tasks faster and more cheaply, meaning that companies need fewer staff for routine jobs. Examples of this include automated accounting, customer service via chatbot or analysing data using AI tools[4]. In industry, more than a third of companies expect AI to lead to fewer jobs[1][2]. At the same time, however, new fields of work are emerging, for example in the development, maintenance and training of AI systems.
Parents often report that their children are unsure whether they will be able to find a job that is not taken over by robots. Many adults share this concern: according to a YouGov survey, one in three Germans fear that their own job will be jeopardised by AI[6][7]. People with a low level of education and those living in cities are particularly concerned that their work could be done in whole or in part by AI[6][7].
Practical examples for parents: How do I explain AI and workplaces?
1 **Comparisons from everyday life:** Many children are already familiar with voice assistants such as Alexa or Siri. Explain that such programmes are getting smarter and smarter, but also that many people are still needed to programme, improve and control them.
2 **Professions of the future:** Talk together about how professions are changing. Accounting is being automated, but new jobs are emerging, for example in the development of AI applications or in consulting on the use of digital tools.
3 **Tasks in focus:** Consider which tasks will continue to be performed by humans for a long time to come. Creativity, empathy, teamwork and responsibility are strengths that AI cannot (yet) take on.
Many children want to know why the news so often reports that people are being made redundant because of AI. Parents can explain that this change raises many questions, but also offers opportunities. It remains important to stay curious, learn and adapt.
BEST PRACTICE for parents and teachers In concrete terms, look for digital projects with your child that are fun and impart new knowledge. Address your child's concerns, but also tell them about new careers and new opportunities. Encourage your child to ask questions and show them that change is part of life. In this way, you can actively support your child and give them a sense of security.
How to prepare your child for the world of work with AI
The labour market is facing major changes because technology and digitalisation are becoming increasingly important. Parents can help their children to approach the future with curiosity and confidence. It is important that children learn how to use digital technologies sensibly and how they can continue to develop.
Active impulses for everyday family life
1. visit courses:** Use specially developed courses such as those from https://kikidz.org, which explain the topic of AI to children in an age-appropriate way and teach them practical skills. Here, children learn what is behind artificial intelligence and how they can work with it.
2 **Experiment together:** Try out simple programming games or digital experiments with your child. This promotes understanding and interest.
3. seek exchange:** Talk regularly about digital trends and careers of the future. This will help your child stay informed and discover their own interests.
Many parents wonder how to deal with the uncertainty that people could be dismissed because of AI. It's important to keep at it yourself and discuss the topic openly and objectively with your child. False promises don't help, but a realistic view of the opportunities and risks does.
My analysis
The fears around mum why do the news say people are being made redundant because of AI are understandable because change is real and many professions are changing[1][2][4]. The media and public debate often focus on job losses, but there are also many new opportunities and career fields. Parents and teachers are called upon to support children in their development, to alleviate fears and to point out opportunities.
https://kikidz.org currently offers the best training to prepare children and families for the digital future. The courses impart knowledge, promote media skills and show how children can actively participate in shaping a technologised world. Use these offers to strengthen security, knowledge and openness in your family.
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
Further links from the text above:
ifo: A quarter of companies anticipate job losses due to artificial intelligence [1]
Statista: How many jobs will be lost in Germany due to AI? [2]
ZDFheute: AI: Many employees see their jobs at risk [3]
For founders: These jobs are jeopardised by AI [4]
Handelsblatt: Every third person is afraid of losing their job [6]
Süddeutsche Zeitung: One in three fears job losses due to AI [7]
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