Raising young children in an AI world

The first generation of children growing up with artificial intelligence is already here. From AI-enabled toys to generative learning and communication tools, these technologies are reaching children during the earliest and most formative years of life—from birth to 8 years—when relationships, play, language, and health shape the foundations for lifelong learning and well-being. The question is no longer whether AI will shape childhood, but how to ensure it does so in ways that support healthy development from the very beginning while preserving the core of what makes us human.

On April 27, the Center for Universal Education at Brookings hosted a panel discussion to examine what it means to raise young children in an AI world. As the first event in the Generation AI Starts Early webinar series, the discussion brought together leading experts in early childhood development to explore what young children need to thrive, the potential risks of AI entering their lives, and how parents and caregivers can navigate an increasingly complex technological landscape. Through a moderated conversation, the speakers shared insights from research and practice, offering practical guidance and highlighting the aspects of early childhood development that must remain fundamentally human.