Today’s children are among the first generation to interact with AI as a companion rather than a tool. From Google Bard and ChatGPT to AI art platforms and coding assistants, the devices in homes and schools are not just screens – they are teachers, co-creators and playmates.
Children are growing up not just alongside technology but inside it. And with AI increasingly woven into everyday life, the question is no longer if it matters, but how to guide children safely and wisely in a world where digital intelligence is at their fingertips.
Jenipher Selempo, a mother of three is one such parent. On one hand, her children are producing work faster and more creatively than she could have imagined. On the other, she wonders: are they learning, or is AI doing the thinking for them? How much guidance should she give, and how much freedom should they have?
“The rapid adoption of AI in learning spaces brings both excitement and uncertainty, with some parents, especially in urban centers like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Eldoret, marvel at the possibilities: homework completed in minutes, stories generated in seconds, visual arts brought to life with a click, while in rural or peri-urban communities, the experience is more uneven, with digital literacy gaps and connectivity challenges shaping children’s interactions with AI,” says Tom Kamonde,” an AI Specialist.
He says this generation is growing up in a hybrid world where digital fluency can either amplify learning or deepen inequality. He explains parents are now expected to be digital guides, helping children navigate ethical dilemmas, misinformation, and online safety.
In Karen, Nairobi, high school student Faith Njeri, 15, says, “I use AI for studying past papers and summarising long topics. It saves time, but I make sure I understand every answer before exams.”
Lazarus Kamau, a parent to two, nine and 15, admits, “I didn’t grow up with these technologies, and I must confess that sometimes I don’t understand what my children are doing,” he says.
He worries about what they are being exposed to, especially on chat apps and AI tools that generate content.
Teachers are also adjusting. Teacher John Kemunto, a literature teacher in Eldoret, says, “I use AI to spark ideas for writing prompts and help students brainstorm. It’s not a replacement for thinking but a tool to encourage creativity.”
Child psychologists, like Dr Mercy Njoroge, stress the importance of balanced guidance: “Children are impressionable, and AI can enhance learning, but without proper boundaries, it can affect attention, empathy, and critical thinking.” she says.
Kamonde says when guided carefully, AI offers advantage like: Homework support, inspires creativity and personalised learning,
Despite the benefits, the risks are real and evolving. According to AI engineers these include: Over-dependence, misinformation, online safety threats and loss of critical thinking.
There are also ethical concerns. Like, should children use AI to complete assignments they do not fully understand? How do parents balance learning with integrity?
Dr Njoroge says; “It’s not about banning AI, it’s about teaching children to use it wisely, encouraging curiosity alongside accountability is essential.”
Parents must also demonstrate responsible online behavior, honesty, and respect in digital spaces.
Educationist and author, Prof Rebecca Wambua says for families with multiple children, conversations take on a layered complexity. “Younger children need gentle guidance and play-focused AI experiences, while teens require conversations about academic integrity, digital footprints, and online safety,” she says.
“In the age of AI, parenting may never be the same, but it is far from helpless because the future belongs to children who learn to ask, verify, create and reflect,” says Kamonde.