by Niamh Mc Loughlin, Online Safety Programme Coordinator for Barnardos
Each year Barnardos Online Safety Programme holds consultations with children and writes a report based on what children outlined about their experiences online.
The topic of Artificial Intelligence was chosen for this year’s consultation report as children increasingly spoke about AI and the role it plays in their lives during workshops across schools delivered by this programme.
There was a combined approach gathering information for the consultation report, using qualitative focus groups and a quantitative survey between May and June 2024. The school-based initiative engaged with over 500 children and young people from Fifth and Sixth class in primary school and First to Third year in secondary school, through focus groups and surveys. 101 parents and 63 teachers also engaged with surveys.
This report looks at the relationship between AI and children. Barnardos Online Safety Programme understands that children are interacting with AI technologies in various ways. They are increasingly exploring and using generative AI in their daily lives, as well as passively interacting with AI technologies embedded in most of their online activities.
The future impact of AI on children’s lives is unknown, but it is clear that children need help to navigate AI and the online world. Parents, educators and professionals working with children must be able to provide the necessary support and guidance.
The full report is available to read on the Barnados Knowledge Bank website.
