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Manila Bulletin devider Technews devider From homework to seeking advice: Children are turning to AI

From homework to seeking advice: Children are turning to AI

Published Jul 9, 2026 08:15 pm
A child being assisted by AI. Image from Canva Pro.
A child being assisted by AI. Image from Canva Pro.
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), data from 10 countries estimates that at least 20 million children have used AI (Artificial Intelligence). The data show that young people are adopting the technology more than three times as fast as adults.

A little closer to home, a study by the ASEAN Foundation found that about 83% of Filipino students use AI for school. These include using ChatGPT for writing and paraphrasing.  

What’s even more interesting, or troubling, depending on how you look at it, is that children are not only using AI for schoolwork but also turning to it for advice. In the same UNICEF report, around one in ten children - an estimated two million said that they turn to AI for advice about things that worry them.

Prompting for help

“AI is here. It is a growing part of our lives,” UNICEF said in a statement. “It is already shaping childhood around the world – for better and for worse.”

In a BBC story on turning to AI for relationship advice, psychologist and relationship expert Dr. Lalitaa Suglani says that while AI can be a useful tool when people are overwhelmed or unsure, there are also things to consider, especially when LLMs (Large Language Model) are trained to be helpful and agreeable and repeat back what you are saying, or what it thinks you want to hear.

Think about it: when you enter a prompt seeking advice on a problem, chances are it's biased to you and may reinforce distorted narratives that favor you. Not unlike when you reach out to friends or family for help, they can sit you down, look you straight in the eye, and give you objective advice, and yes, even call you out for some tough love when necessary.

Admittedly, not everyone is comfortable opening up to friends and family, especially when it can leave them feeling uncomfortable and embarrassed when asked about certain situations.
Getting a second opinion
Getting help from AI can be convenient, especially when friends and family are not there to help you out at the moment, or, you know, the topic is a little on the embarrassing side. It is still a good idea to seek a second opinion, just as you would with a doctor when it comes to your body.
In the same UNICEF study, the surveyed children themselves were aware of the risks of using AI. One-third of respondents have expressed concern that AI could be used for scams or to spread misinformation. While one-fourth expressed fear that their images, videos, or likeness could be manipulated and used in sexually explicit deepfakes.
Creating safety guidelines

While children may be aware of the dangers that AI can pose, they are also susceptible to the consequences of poorly regulated AI systems. Which is why UNICEF is calling on governments to consider and technology companies to consider the welfare of children when it comes to AI regulation.  

Similarly, UNESCO recommends establishing clear rules and encouraging the structured use of AI in schools, rather than blanket bans.

Children may be turning to AI for more than just their homework, but there is also an awareness that this is uncharted territory and could pose serious risks. Which is why parents and guardians should also keep pace with the many fast-paced changes and trends. Ultimately, it will come down to parents and guardians to guide their children into using AI ethically. There is also a shared responsibility with the government and AI companies to both consider and ensure the safety and well-being of children as they grow up with AI.

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