New Zealand Parents Face New Dilemma as AI Chatbots Assist with Schoolwork
Auckland, New Zealand – Recent developments in the field of AI have presented a unique challenge for parents in New Zealand. As large language models like ChatGPT gain popularity for their impressive abilities to generate human-like content, concerns are rising among Kiwi parents regarding the use of AI chatbots in completing schoolwork.
According to a survey conducted by Norton, a Cyber Safety brand of Gen, many parents feel that their children are already overly dependent on screens. Now, they express worries about the ease with which AI can be used to assist with school assignments. Over half (51%) of New Zealand parents with school-aged children between 4 and 17 say they would not trust or allow their children to use AI for completing schoolwork.
However, the survey also revealed that almost two-thirds (59%) of respondents with children under 18 years of age said their children go online independently, either for fun or education. This presents a challenge for parents in effectively monitoring their children’s internet usage.
The survey further highlighted that only 46% of respondents with children 17 years or younger trust school technology policies and online security measures. Additionally, 36% of parents with school-aged children believe that schools are not doing enough to educate and protect children from online threats.
Concerns extend beyond the use of AI for schoolwork completion. The survey indicated that 50% of parents worry about their children being exposed to inappropriate content, while 44% express concerns about their children being targeted by online scams or manipulation. Cyberbullying is also a worry for 43% of parents, and 31% fear their children becoming addicted to the internet or social media.
Despite these concerns, 69% of respondents expressed confidence in knowing enough about online safety to protect their families. Kiwi parents are keen on safeguarding their children’s privacy, even while sharing their lives on social media. The survey found that 58% of parents posting photos of their kids online are cautious about revealing identifying features of their children’s school, and 70% take steps to avoid disclosing information about their children’s home.
To address these challenges, Norton recommends a few key strategies for parents. Firstly, engaging in open dialogues with children about how they use their devices can help parents understand the unique risks their children may face online. Educating children about online threats such as cyberbullying, screen addiction, and grooming is crucial, as is setting boundaries and curating age-appropriate AI tools.
Installing cybersecurity software at home and utilizing tools like Norton Family and Norton 360 Premium can provide parents with the means to monitor their children’s internet usage and keep their devices secure.
The survey was conducted online in New Zealand by Dynata on behalf of Gen and included 1,020 adults aged 18 and above, of which 345 were parents of children under 18. The data were collected between July 4th, 2023, and July 15th, 2023, and were weighted by age, gender, and region to ensure representation in line with the population.
Parents in New Zealand are grappling with the technological advancements of AI and their children’s online activities. As concerns continue to rise, it is crucial for parents to strike a balance between granting their children independence while also protecting them from potential online risks.
