Artificial intelligence best practices

Artificial intelligence systems do not think like humans. They work by performing calculations to generate the most probable answer based on what they have learned. This means they can sometimes make mistakes, mix up information, or even produce answers that sound correct but are not.

This is called a hallucination: the AI gives a convincing but incorrect response. In addition, answers can be influenced by biases, meaning incomplete or unbalanced viewpoints present in the data used to train the system.

It is therefore important to always check the sources of information provided by AI.

Before accepting an answer provided by AI, always ask: “Where does this information come from?”

If the AI cannot provide a reliable source or if the answer seems uncertain, it is better to look for the information elsewhere or ask additional questions.

Generative AI produces plausible but not always accurate answers. Developing critical thinking skills is essential to avoid errors and misinformation.

Artificial intelligence systems can give the impression that they understand, listen, or feel emotions because they use human language. This is called anthropomorphism: attributing intentions, feelings, or a personality to a machine.

Some children or teenagers may start talking to AI as if it were a trusted person or ask it for personal advice. Over time, this can lead them to isolate themselves, seek less help from relatives or adults who can genuinely help, or confuse the simulated empathy of an AI with the expertise of a professional, such as a doctor or a psychologist.

We regularly remind them that artificial intelligence is a tool, not a friend or confidant. For important issues, emotions, relationships, or difficulties, we always encourage dialogue with a parent, loved one, or trusted adult.

Doing homework teaches you to think, write, research, and memorize on your own. If artificial intelligence does the work for the child, these skills may not develop as well. In the long term, this can make it more difficult to reason on your own, express your ideas, or remember what you have learned.

AI can help with understanding, but it should not replace personal effort.

Artificial intelligence can be used as a tool to help, not as a shortcut. For example, it can help rephrase a difficult instruction, explain a complicated concept, or offer a quiz to practice what has been learned in a lesson. It can also provide ideas for review or suggest additional examples.

Then, you do the work yourself, with your notebooks and books.

Rephrasing in your own words allows you to check that you have really understood. When you copy an answer given by artificial intelligence directly, you may feel like you know something, without actually having learned it. Rephrasing helps the brain sort through information, organize it, and memorize it more permanently.

It's also a way to develop vocabulary, expressive skills, and critical thinking. AI can provide a starting point, but it's up to the child to make the ideas their own.

After using AI, take some screen-free time to rephrase. You can close the tool and write the answer in your own words in your notebook, or explain aloud what you have understood, as if you were explaining it to someone else.

Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool, but it is not always easy to understand. Parents can help explain how it works, identify errors or inappropriate information, and set rules for its use. Using AI with parental consent also helps avoid content that is shocking, misleading, or inappropriate for the child's age.

Take the time to talk about it together before using artificial intelligence: what it will be used for, when it can be used, and in what situations. Parents can be present at the beginning, then provide remote support as the child gains independence, starting at age 13.

How are schools and universities around the world using AI? - UNESCO, May 2024

Digital tools, including artificial intelligence systems, run on remote computers that consume electricity and resources.

However, AI is not always the right tool: for a simple search, a traditional search engine is often enough, and when organizing ideas, thinking independently or discussing with others can be more effective.

Choosing the right tool at the right time helps encourage more responsible digital use.

Before using AI, we can ask ourselves: Do I really need it? Can I look for the information in another way? Can I first think about it on my own or discuss it with someone?

For example: make a first draft by hand, look in a book, use a search engine, or ask a relative or a teacher.

AI can be a helpful tool, but it is not the answer to everything.

AI can generate many results, but not every task requires using it. For example, traditional search engines are often better suited for simple queries. Encouraging thoughtful use of AI helps people understand how it can support their tasks without being overused, while also considering the resources it requires.

Before the age of 13, teenagers are still developing their critical thinking, their relationship to information, and their understanding of emotions and relationships.

Generative AI can produce inaccurate, inappropriate, or confusing content, and may create the illusion of understanding or a relationship that it does not actually have. Teenagers may therefore be more likely to trust its answers or follow its suggestions without always taking enough critical distance.

Most of these tools also set a minimum age of 13 for their use.

Before the age of 13, priority should be given to digital activities suited to the child or teenager’s age, as well as learning without AI: reading, writing, searching in books, and asking questions to an adult.

If AI is used occasionally, it should be done with a parent, to explain how the tool works and help them understand its limitations.

Artificial intelligence can very easily generate texts, images, or videos that appear to be real. If used carelessly, it can be used to invent or alter information, sometimes without anyone realizing it. Sharing false information can mislead others, create confusion, or cause harm.

Everyone is responsible for what they create and share, even when it has been produced by a machine.

Before sharing content created with artificial intelligence, take a moment to think. Ask yourself if the information is true, if it has been verified, and if it could have an impact on others. If in doubt, refrain from sharing.