Children and Screens Submits Comments to NITR and DNCO on AI Research, Development and Child Well-Being

“Artificial intelligence has quietly powered many of the online systems we use every day for decades,” said Kris Perry, Executive Director of Children and Screens. “Now, as generative AI moves into the mainstream and development accelerates, children are encountering AI more frequently—and with far greater impact. It is essential that we invest in rigorous research and implement thoughtful safeguards to ensure the next generation benefits fully and safely from these powerful technologies.”

Broadly, the Institute’s comments highlight: 

1. The need for foundational alignment and safety research with regard to children’s development and wellbeing, 
2. The need to design AI that considers children’s capabilities and needs, and 
3. Reasonable precautions to take when deploying AI in educational settings.

Acknowledging that the substantial value of AI comes with significant risks, the Institute recommends strategies for addressing safety, protecting learning and development in the age of AI, and incorporating AI into education.

“We recognize that when introduced thoughtfully, AI can benefit children’s learning and development,” said Perry. “However, as we saw with social media, permitting AI to advance unabated, and carelessly deploying it around children, can have serious consequences. AI carries a lot of promise, but also a lot of risk. We need to critically assess the value of any AI system, especially when it can impact children. What is safe and effective for an adult can be incredibly risky for a child. Government supported research is necessary if we are going to build AI that is safe for kids, and adds value to their lives and education. This may require building new AI from the ground up, but in the long run, it will be worth it.”