Is This Cheating?  Having The AI Ethics Conversation With Your Child

One of the most common concerns parents raise in our program involves the ethical boundaries of AI use in education. Here's how to navigate this crucial conversation with your child:

Start With Open-Ended Questions

Begin by asking: "What do you think is the purpose of this assignment?" This helps children reflect on learning goals rather than just completion. Understanding the "why" creates natural boundaries.

Distinguish Between Learning and Performance Tasks

Explain that some tasks are designed to develop skills (learning tasks), while others demonstrate mastery (performance tasks). AI support is more appropriate for learning tasks, much like using training wheels when first learning to ride a bike.

Create Clear Family Guidelines

Develop age-appropriate rules together. For example:

• Elementary: AI can help explain concepts but not write answers

• Middle School: AI can review work and suggest improvements, but initial drafts must be student-created

• High School: AI can be a research assistant and feedback tool, with proper attribution

Teach Transparency

Encourage children to be open with teachers about AI use with simple language like: "I used AI to help me understand this concept" or "I had AI review my first draft for grammar." Most educators appreciate this honesty.

Model Ethical Use Yourself

Show how you use AI in your own work or learning while maintaining integrity. This "apprenticeship" approach helps children develop a healthy relationship with technology.

In our AI Confident Parent program, we provide age-specific frameworks and conversation starters that make these discussions natural and productive. The goal isn't to eliminate AI but to integrate it ethically into the learning process.