Not long ago, students studied in analogue: dog-eared textbooks, handwritten notes and the occasional text to an overachieving friend.Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Today, many learners are turning to something far more advanced – artificial intelligence. In particular, large language models like ChatGPT are fast becoming study companions for a new generation of learners.
From drafting essays to summarising chapters, checking maths problems and brainstorming science projects, ChatGPT and similar tools are rapidly and dramatically redefining how young people approach their studies.
But are these tools enhancing learning or replacing it?
As the world marks Youth Month, Arno Jansen van Vuuren, the managing director at education insurance provider Futurewise, says it is a good time to ask: What does the rise of AI mean for education in SA, and how can parents help their children use it to support, not shortcut, their growth?
“We often call today’s children digital natives, but more accurately, they’re becoming AI natives, growing up with tools that can generate ideas, write essays and respond almost like a human,” he says.
“While some schools were quick to ban these tools, especially early on, enforcing those rules outside the classroom is nearly impossible. AI is evolving faster than policy can keep up, and it’s not going away. These tools are advancing so rapidly that we can’t predict what they’ll look like even a few months from now.
“As parents, we have a key role to play in helping children build healthy, responsible habits around these tools so that they learn with AI, not from it.”
The good: study support at their fingertips
When used correctly, AI can be a powerful learning ally. It helps students break down complex concepts, rephrase difficult topics and generate practice questions or writing prompts. For children too shy to ask questions in class or struggling to focus using traditional study methods, it can be a game-changer.
It’s also available around the clock, offering consistent support during late-night cramming or weekend revision.
The bad: over-reliance and lost thinking skills
“If students begin relying on ChatGPT to think for them, their critical skills may fade. Generative AI doesn’t truly understand topics – it predicts words based on patterns, so learners might copy answers without grasping their meaning. Over time, this can erode both confidence and creativity.
“Think of AI like a calculator. It’s great for speeding things up once you understand the process, but if you rely on it before mastering the basics, you risk losing the ability to solve problems on your own, says Jansen van Vuuren.
The dangers: misinformation, privacy and bias
While ChatGPT can sound convincing, it isn’t always accurate. It can generate false information and, since it draws from data across the internet, may reflect biases or stereotypes.
“There are also privacy concerns. Children might unknowingly share personal information while chatting with AI bots, unaware that this data can be stored or used to train future models.”
He advises parents to remind children never to share personal details and always verify AI-generated facts with trusted sources.
What can parents do?
“The answer isn’t to ban these tools – it’s to build understanding. Start by using AI tools with your child. Explore how prompts work and compare AI responses with their school materials. Encourage questions like, ‘How did you get that answer?’ or ‘Can you explain it another way?’,” says Jansen van Vuuren.
“Discuss ethical use: When is it okay to use AI for help, and when does it cross into cheating? Help your child understand that the goal is to learn, not just to submit the perfect assignment.”
If you’re unsure how to start these conversations, resources like the Futurewise Learning Hub can help. The hub offers interactive tools that promote digital and emotional literacy, covering online safety, academic support and practical ways for parents and children to navigate technology together.
Preparing for the future of learning
AI isn’t going away. As it becomes more embedded in society, it will play a major role in how today’s learners study, work and solve problems throughout their lives. Teaching children to use it wisely is key to future-proofing their success.
“As technology evolves, so must our parenting. Our role isn’t to shield kids from innovation but to help them use it safely and meaningfully. With the right tools and support, parents can turn AI from a threat into a learning advantage.”
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