Dubai Educators Sound Alarm: Children's Over-Reliance on Chatbots is an Immediate Concern

Education experts in Dubai are expressing serious concerns that children are becoming excessively dependent on chatbots for advice, bypassing crucial interactions with parents and teachers. This trend sees young individuals turning to Artificial Intelligence for guidance on their feelings, friendships, and personal challenges. The constant availability of AI chatbots means that children can seek answers and reassurance without engaging in human conversation.

While proponents of AI suggest it offers a reflective space for expressing frustration or obtaining discreet reassurance, educators argue that these systems lack the capacity to truly understand emotions or recognize when a child requires genuine help. "It's not down the line. It's a problem already," stated Neil Hopkin, director of education at Fortes Education, in an interview with The National at the GESS Dubai education conference. He noted that some children are beginning to perceive AI chatbots as friends, despite the technology's inability to provide the same emotional support as a parent, teacher, or trusted adult.

"AI doesn't do that. It can fake some of that, so it can fake empathy," Dr. Hopkin elaborated. "We've seen that as a problem in the way that some of the chatbots talk with young children, and very quickly the child believes that this is a friend when it's not." He further explained that chatbots often validate users' existing opinions or agree with them, rather than offering alternative perspectives or critical questioning. This is particularly worrying when children seek AI assistance during difficult emotional situations.

Research from Ajman University, published in March, identified a correlation between seeking AI assistance and symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression among 433 university students in the UAE. The study suggested that AI's appeal lies in its privacy, allowing users to seek help without fear of judgment. A separate study of 360 students at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman revealed that 11.9% had used AI chatbots for mental health support, with 54.7% preferring traditional therapy over chatbot-based treatment (23.1%).

Dr. Hopkin reiterated the concern that children might share personal issues with AI instead of individuals who know them and can identify when something is amiss. He also cautioned about AI-powered toys and devices potentially collecting extensive personal data about children and their families, emphasizing the need for stronger safeguards.

Dr. Kulangara Jacob Johnson, director of the Centre for Design and Innovation for Public Purpose at the American School of Dubai, echoed these concerns about AI dependency. "I think being dependent on anything is a problem. And the dependency, in my opinion, is becoming an obsession," he told The National. Dr. Johnson pointed out that the speed and convenience of AI make it an easy choice for children seeking answers, whether for homework or personal advice. However, he suggested that frequent AI use might not necessarily indicate a loss of independent thinking but rather the development of new learning and processing methods. "It doesn't mean that they’re losing his cognitive ability. They are redefining what cognition is."

The challenge for educators and parents, according to Dr. Johnson, is to ensure children critically evaluate AI-generated information rather than accepting it unquestioningly. He proposed using chatbots as tools to challenge ideas or ask questions, rather than solely for obtaining solutions. Ahlam Bolooki, chief executive of the Emirates Literature Foundation, also stressed the importance of children learning to navigate AI effectively, warning that early exposure might lead to superficial engagement with information.

Both Dr. Hopkin and Dr. Johnson believe banning AI is impractical. Dr. Johnson advised parents to engage in open conversations with their children about AI, highlighting its limitations. Dr. Hopkin emphasized the role of schools in educating students about AI, especially as its integration into classrooms grows. He called for collaboration between parents, teachers, and technology companies to ensure safe AI usage. Despite AI's advancements, Dr. Hopkin stressed that human relationships remain vital for children's development, stating, "I don't see AI replacing teachers. What I do see is that the nature of teaching will change." He concluded that schools will continue to be crucial in fostering relationships, empathy, and understanding—qualities he believes AI cannot replicate.