The Future of Learning: How Parents Can Lead in the Age of AI
As a part of the Gen family of brands, Norton is committed to empowering individuals and families to navigate the complexities of today’s digital landscape. The back-to-school season brings renewed focus on the evolving role of technology in education, and a recent Norton survey underscores a significant concern for parents: the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom. While perspectives on AI vary, an overwhelming 93% of parents with children aged 5 and up express worry about how AI is being integrated into their kids’ school experience.
AI is no longer a distant future concept—it's embedded in the tools and platforms students use daily. As AI becomes increasingly prevalent, it’s not just about adapting to new technologies but also about understanding and leading the conversation on how these technologies can be used ethically and responsibly. Rather than shielding children from AI, it’s crucial to equip them with the knowledge and skills to navigate and utilize AI for future success.
The Role of AI in Shaping Education
AI has the potential to revolutionize education by personalizing learning experiences, automating administrative tasks and providing valuable insights into student performance. However, with these advancements come new challenges, particularly concerning privacy, data security and ethical use. As thought leaders in cybersecurity, we at Norton and Gen believe that fostering a balanced and informed perspective on AI is essential. It’s not just about staying safe — it's about leading with integrity in a world where AI is reshaping every aspect of our lives.
How to Stay Safe and Informed with AI
Protect Personal Information: Educate your children on safeguarding their personal information, especially when interacting with AI platforms or chatbots. Understanding the implications of sharing data is the first step in responsible AI use.
Verify Website Safety and Use a VPN: Ensure that you and your children check browser connections and URLs to verify site security, particularly when accessing AI tools or platforms. Using a VPN adds an extra layer of protection, keeping your online activities private and secure.
Enable Age-Appropriate Settings: AI tools offer various settings designed for different age groups. Make sure your family is set up for success by configuring these settings and using parental controls to monitor and manage your child’s online activities.
Promote Ethical Use: Beyond technical safety, it’s crucial to instill values of integrity and ethical practices in children when using AI. Parents and teachers play a pivotal role in guiding students on how to use AI responsibly and with respect for others.
Resources to Explore
- Norton 360 with LifeLock: Provides comprehensive protection, including antivirus, malware, ransomware, and identity theft protection, to keep your children’s personal information secure.
- Norton Ultra VPN: Enhances online security with features like password management and alerts, offering real-time protection against scammers.
- Norton Parental Control: Helps parents manage and monitor their children’s online activities, ensuring safe interactions with AI platforms.
- The Smart Talk by National PTA and Norton: This resource is designed to encourage conversations about responsible digital citizenship and ethical AI use within families.
By staying informed and leveraging the tools and resources available, parents can help their children not only embrace the benefits of AI but also lead the way in using it safely and ethically. At Gen, through our Norton brand, we are dedicated to supporting families as they navigate this new frontier in education.
