How far should we let our children use generative AI? As its use expands in society, many parents are uncertain and struggling with how to approach it. We asked Jun Tatebayashi, a AI utilization instructor raising two children and author of “The Fastest Generative AI Work Skills” for business professionals, about this.
My eldest daughter starts elementary school this spring. What to be especially careful about.
I teach business professionals how to use generative AI, and I share the message: “Delegate what you can to AI, and focus your own mind on what truly needs your attention.” Based on my own experiences struggling to balance parenting and work, I fully utilize AI in both work and daily life to improve time efficiency.
Recently, for a Golden Week travel plan, I had AI search for candidate destinations and available accommodations matching our preferences, and I decided on a plan in 30 minutes. By cutting down nearly four hours, I secured time for family communication.
However, I do not let my children use AI on their own. I take the approach of inputting on their behalf. My eldest daughter just started elementary school this spring. What I am especially cautious about is when she struggles with her studies. These are moments when we should ideally think together as a family. My policy is to try all other methods besides AI, such as reading notebooks or textbooks, and only use AI to get hints when we truly cannot figure something out.
It’s not that using AI is inherently bad, but I am concerned about the practice of delegating the entire thinking process to AI. The terms of service do not allow use by children under 13, and there is also a policy that “careful assessment is necessary” for use at the elementary school level.
“How do you do this?” Children who immediately ask. Experience from my time as a cram school instructor.
When I used to work as a cram school instructor…
