Artificial Intelligence Shapes Today’s Childhood – and Changes Societal Attitudes

As MIT Technology Review reports (https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/07/03/1140036/uk-tobacco-ban-might-not-work-children-smoking/), children today experience a childhood that fundamentally differs from that of their parents – not least due to the ubiquitous presence of artificial intelligence (AI). While the seven-year-old is already introduced to AI technologies in school lessons and the five-year-old regularly receives internet-based homework, a changed attitude towards classic health risks such as smoking is also evident.

AI as an Integral Part of Learning

In many schools, the use of AI has become commonplace. Learning platforms adapt individually to the children’s performance levels, offer interactive exercises, and promote independent thinking. This leads to children developing skills in handling digital technologies early on, which are crucial for their future. The integration of AI into everyday education changes not only the way of learning but also the expectations placed on educational institutions and teachers.

Societal Values in Transition

The author of the report, herself a mother of two daughters, describes how her children show a clear aversion to smoking – a contrast to her own youth. This change is not only due to awareness campaigns but also to the influence of digital media and AI-supported information offerings that make health risks more transparent and tangible. The availability of personalized health information and the networking with peers through digital channels foster an awareness that differs from previous generations.

Why It Matters

The merging of AI and education has far-reaching consequences for society. On the one hand, it enables more individualized support for children, better preparing them for the demands of a digitalized world. On the other hand, it influences the formation of values and behavior of young people, which can change societal norms in the long term. The move away from traditional risk behaviors such as smoking is an example of how technological developments also shape social and health trends.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the positive developments, there are also challenges. Access to AI-supported education is not equally distributed everywhere, which can exacerbate social inequalities. Furthermore, data protection and ethical questions in dealing with AI in schools must be carefully considered. Nevertheless, the integration of AI into children’s daily lives offers an opportunity to make education more inclusive, effective, and future-oriented.

Overall, it becomes clear that today’s childhood is shaped not only technologically but also culturally by artificial intelligence. This opens up new perspectives for education, health, and societal development.