Childhood and AI: A Cognitive Download?

The uncritical and widespread use of artificial intelligence (AI) by children and adolescents poses a significant risk to their cognitive development, potentially hindering their ability to think logically and solve problems independently. Unicef has highlighted the rapid adoption of AI by young people, warning of the associated risks and gaps.

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The uncritical and indiscriminate use of artificial intelligence (AI) could affect the development of logical thinking in children and adolescents, a capacity they need to train from an early age to be able to solve problems with their own heads.

While AI offers opportunities for learning, creativity, and play, there is limited research on its impact on cognitive development, emotional dependence, and exposure to harm. A key concern identified is "cognitive offloading," where AI performs tasks for children, including schoolwork, potentially diminishing their own critical thinking processes.

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There is still much uncertainty about the probable repercussions. However, recent examinations highlight the magnitude and speed with which youngsters are adopting AI, 'while revealing the risks and gaps it entails,' warned the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef).

Recent Unicef analysis, based on surveys in ten countries, estimates that at least 20 million children between 12 and 17 years old have used AI tools, surpassing adult usage in some contexts. The study found that AI is particularly prevalent in education, with six out of ten children reporting its use for homework and information gathering. This suggests AI is already playing a substantial role in learning, raising questions about potential cognitive offloading and information bias.

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While advances in this field can offer them 'opportunities to learn, play, or be creative, hardly any tests have been conducted on its role in cognitive development, emotional dependence, and exposure to harm,' the organization reiterated in June 2026.

The article draws parallels to the internet age, where "copy and paste" culture facilitated the mechanical reproduction of ideas rather than original thought. Even before the digital boom, educators noted discrepancies in students' reasoning and work, with some texts showing literal reproduction from books. Experts suggest that excessive internet use can lead to a decline in memory, writing, interpretation skills, and oral expression, raising further concerns about the long-term impact of AI on developing minds.

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The 'cognitive offloading'; that is, when AI 'thinks' for them when performing various tasks, including curricular exercises.