Artificial intelligence for teens: learning to use it, not just consume it

Two ways to use artificial intelligence

A teen can use AI in two ways. In the first, they ask for the answer and copy it. In the second, they use it to understand: they ask it to explain a step, suggest another example or review their reasoning.

The difference is not in the tool, but in the habit. The goal is to build that judgment.

Five questions to verify an answer

Before accepting an AI answer as good, it's worth asking:

1. Can I check it against a reliable source?
2. Can I solve a simple example by hand and see if it matches?
3. What assumptions is it making without saying so?
4. Does it explain the why or just give the result?
5. What would happen if the answer were wrong?

How to support them at home

• Talk together about when an answer seems doubtful.
• Ask the AI to explain its reasoning and ask it follow-up questions.
• Agree on which tasks are done without help, so their own effort isn't lost.
• Review the accounts and usage according to age.

What we work on in the lab

In the lab, Discovering AI AI assistants are used in supervised accounts, with activities to compare answers, spot mistakes and understand what an AI can and cannot do. The focus is for the student to critique the tool, not depend on it.