Nearly One in Four UK Children Aged 8–12 Are Already Using AI
- Harry Way
- Sep 15
- 2 min read
A recent study from the Alan Turing Institute and LEGO Foundation found that almost one in four UK children aged 8–12 are already using AI tools regularly. That means millions of children are interacting with chatbots, image generators, and other AI systems — often without formal teaching on how these tools work or how to use them safely.
What the Study Found
The researchers reported that children are using AI for a variety of reasons:
Homework help – asking chatbots to explain tricky concepts.
Creative fun – generating stories, images, and games.
Curiosity – exploring “what happens if I ask it this?” and testing boundaries.
Older children (teens) use AI even more frequently, with many saying it has become part of their daily routine.
Why This Matters
AI is no longer a futuristic concept — it’s part of children’s everyday lives. This raises important questions for parents and educators:
Are children learning to think critically about AI’s answers?AI sometimes makes mistakes or “hallucinates” false information. Without guidance, children might trust everything it says.
Are they using it creatively, not just for shortcuts?Some children use AI as a springboard for ideas — others use it to finish tasks faster, risking over-reliance.
Do they understand privacy and safety?Sharing personal details with chatbots can be risky. Children need clear rules about what is and isn’t safe to share online.
Calls for Early AI Literacy
The study authors argue that AI literacy should start well before secondary school. Teaching kids how AI works, and where its limits are, can help them use it as a partner for creativity and learning, not as a crutch or a risk.
Takeaway for Parents
Parents don’t need to be AI experts, but being aware that their children may already be using these tools is key. Asking questions like:
“What did you ask the AI today?”
“Did you check if its answer was true?”
“What did you make with it?”
…can help turn AI from a passive tool into an active, guided learning experience.
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