Peer-reviewed article
Perspectives on the impact of generative AI on early‐childhood development and education
Karlis Kanders, Louis Stupple‐Harris, Laurie M. Smith, Jenny L. Gibson ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This perspective piece examines how generative artificial intelligence (GAI) might affect babies and young children's development and early education. The authors discuss potential applications, opportunities, and risks of AI in early childhood based on stakeholder consultations and research. The work aims to encourage thoughtful discussion about generative AI in early childhood that can guide future research and practice.
Key points
- Limited existing scholarship explores implications of generative AI for early childhood development and education
- The analysis identifies both opportunities and risks from AI application in early childhood
- Insights were informed by engagement with stakeholders and desk research
- The piece positions itself as a catalyst for nuanced discourse rather than a definitive evaluation
Limitations
This is a perspectives piece based on desk research and stakeholder discussion, not an empirical study, so it does not provide data on actual outcomes or effects of AI on children. The document does not specify which risks and opportunities are discussed or present evidence for their likelihood.
Abstract
Abstract Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) is rapidly becoming ubiquitous in many contexts. There is limited scholarship, however, in the fields of Developmental Psychology and Early Childhood Education exploring the implications of generative AI for babies and young children. In this Perspectives piece, we discuss potential use cases, opportunities, and risks for the application of AI in early childhood. Our insights are informed by extensive discussion with stakeholders and by desk research carried out in our roles as academics and analysts in a social innovation foundation. Our aim is to stimulate nuanced and informed discourse on the topic of generative AI in early childhood that can inform innovation in both research and practice.