The rise of ChatGPT has captivated many young learners worldwide. This intelligent chatbot often serves as an educational partner, assisting with assignments, clarifying lessons, and encouraging curiosity. Its ability to communicate naturally makes it appealing to children who are eager to learn.
Yet, specialists warn that its use among children must be managed carefully. Heavy reliance on ChatGPT may slow the development of critical thinking and independent problem-solving. It can also expose young users to information that may not be appropriate for their age or understanding.
These issues were highlighted by Professor Yeni Herdiyeni of IPB University during an episode of IPB Pedia aired on the institution’s YouTube channel. She underscored that while the technology can enrich learning, its use by minors requires careful supervision to avoid negative impacts.
Balancing Benefits and Risks
Professor Yeni, who also chairs the Artificial Intelligence Study Program at IPB University, described ChatGPT as both beneficial and risky. She explained that while it broadens access to knowledge, depending on it too often may hinder a child’s natural mental growth.
She elaborated that ChatGPT allows information to appear instantly, but this instant retrieval discourages memory retention. According to her, without exercising reasoning or recall, children lose vital opportunities to strengthen cognitive functions. Information gained easily can just as easily be forgotten.
She added that ChatGPT suits adults better because they can verify and cross-check its accuracy. In contrast, young learners, especially those in early school years, should use it only with adult supervision. The professor emphasized that unmonitored use might disrupt the balance between developing fine motor and cognitive abilities.
Understanding ChatGPT’s Inner Workings
Professor Yeni explained that ChatGPT’s intelligence relies on transformer models and long short-term memory algorithms that simulate human neural processes. Despite this, she warned that the technology still makes mistakes due to data bias and fabricated responses. Users, she said, must understand that not all of its outputs are factual or reliable.
She also encouraged a stronger national focus on building computational thinking skills in early education. Instead of teaching children coding too early, she argued that it is more effective to train them to think systematically, solve problems, and recognize logical structures. Coding, she added, should come afterward as a practical application of those abilities.
Guiding Children in the AI Era
Professor Yeni urged educators and parents not to allow ChatGPT to replace children’s natural learning efforts. She said that when children use the chatbot to complete assignments, they should still be encouraged to reason and find solutions on their own. ChatGPT, she clarified, should complement learning, not become the main teacher.
She stressed the importance of maintaining a human-centered approach to AI use, reminding audiences that technology should serve people, not dominate them. ChatGPT, she noted, can be a remarkable tool for education when used responsibly and thoughtfully. However, without proper guidance, it could easily become a shortcut that weakens curiosity and discipline.
Professor Yeni concluded by emphasizing the role of guidance and moderation in nurturing young learners. Responsible engagement with AI can create a generation that is intelligent, analytical, and ethical. She said parents and teachers must work hand in hand to monitor children’s use of ChatGPT so it remains a secure and productive educational aid.
