How AI Literacy Supports Stronger Learning and Creativity in Children

In recent years, researchers across the UK and beyond have been studying how children use generative AI in school and at home—and the results suggest that when used well, AI isn’t just another tool—it can boost learning, creativity, and literacy.

What the Research Shows

National Literacy Trust (UK, 2025 survey)

• In its 2025 Annual Literacy Survey, the National Literacy Trust asked more than 60,000 young people aged 13-18 and nearly 3,000 teachers about how they use generative AI.

• Key findings:

  • 2 in 3 young people (≈ 66.5%) reported using generative AI tools, with a solid number using them weekly or more.

  • Uses include helping with homework, asking questions, exploring ideas, improving vocabulary, and shaping stories (characters, plots, and dialogue).

  • Students who already enjoyed writing were more likely to use AI for creative/interactive writing tasks; even those who didn’t enjoy writing still used AI for feedback and correcting grammar or spelling.

“Reading with AI” Project (Northern Ireland)

• Over 15,000 pupils (Years 3, 5, 7 and 8) are participating in a study using AI literacy tools (like Amira Learning) over six months.

• The study tracks reading skills, identifies pupils with difficulties (including dyslexia), and provides tailored, frequent AI-supported reading sessions (20-40 minutes per week).

• Early indications suggest improvements in reading outcomes when AI tools are combined with evidence-based teaching and follow-up by trained teachers.

Project-Based Learning Toolkit in K-12 Education

• A recent study (Li, Xiao et al., Dec 2024) explored integrating AI literacy into various subjects (not just computer science) using a Project-Based Learning (PBL) toolkit.

• Teachers reported that using AI tools for story prompts, chatbot interactions, and creative art/music tasks helped students engage more deeply, generate more creative outputs, and think more critically about how they used the AI. However, they also noted challenges like ensuring accuracy, ethical use, and ensuring students understand why AI is producing what it does.

How AI Literacy Helps Learning & Creativity

From the research above, several clear ways emerge in which AI literacy supports children:

1. Enhancing engagement and motivation: Because AI tools allow children to experiment (writing stories, refining dialogue, exploring creative prompts), many who were less interested in writing or reading become more willing to try. Having immediate feedback or creative possibilities can make the learning process feel more dynamic and less like “work.”

2. Improving writing & vocabulary: AI tools are being used to suggest richer vocabulary, correct grammar/spelling, and generate models of writing styles. These features help reinforce the mechanics of writing while still letting the child’s own voice come through.

3. Critical thinking and reflection: With AI literacy, children are not just told what tools can do, but how they do it, where they might go wrong. The Literacy Trust research shows many students check AI outputs and add their own thoughts, rather than just copy them. Also, tools like the PBL AI Literacy Toolkit highlight importance of students understanding biases, limitations, and ethical implications.

4. Support for diverse learners: Studies like Reading with AI show that AI can help learners who struggle (e.g. with dyslexia or reading difficulties) by offering adaptive support, frequent, lower-pressure practise, and personalised feedback. This can level the playing field, giving more children access to help and growth.

5. Creativity beyond traditional boundaries: When children use AI tools not just to write essays, but to build imaginative stories, art, dialogue, prompts and explore “what if” scenarios, they are practising creative thinking. The PBL studies show children enjoy tasks linking AI to real-world reasoning, which expands their creative confidence.

What to Be Aware Of

The research also flags some important caution points:

• AI outputs can be inaccurate or biased. Children need help learning how to question outputs, rather than assume everything is true.

• There’s a risk of students relying too much on AI, using it as a fallback rather than a partner. If they don’t also practise reading, writing, thinking independently, they may miss foundational skills.

• Access & equity concerns: Not all children have equal device access, stable internet, or adult support. This could widen gaps if not managed carefully.

What This Means for Parents & Educators

Here are some practical things parents and educators can do to help AI literacy deliver the positive effects:

• Introduce on-ramps: short, guided tasks using AI (creative writing, story generation) so children can try safely.

• Teach critical thinking: ask children to check facts, compare AI answers, and reflect on when AI helped vs when they did most of the work.

• Blend AI work with offline skills (reading, handwriting, drafting).

• Encourage variety: using AI for different types of tasks (art, storytelling, factual research) helps build broader literacy and creativity.

• Keep monitoring: learn how children respond, what concerns they have, and adjust tools and expectations as you go.