Taiwanese parents prioritize empathy for children in AI era, survey finds

As the summer break concludes and the new school year approaches, a survey in Taiwan highlights parental anxieties, with a significant majority concerned about their children's social well-being. The 2026 "Parental Anxiety Survey in the AI Era," released by the Taiwan Children's Creative Action Association (DFC Taiwan), found that 72.6% of parents worry most about their children experiencing harm in school-based interpersonal relationships.

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Parents often care about how their children get along with classmates at school.

Concerns extend beyond social interactions, as parents also expressed high levels of worry about their children facing setbacks and lacking resilience, as well as losing interest in learning. While acknowledging schools as primary knowledge centers, the survey indicates a deep-seated parental fear of social and emotional challenges impacting their children's overall development.

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Empathy is not just about teachers reminding them; children need to do things together to learn cooperation and conflict resolution in the process.

In an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, parents are redefining the essential skills their children need. The survey reveals that "empathy" is considered the most crucial ability for children navigating the AI age, chosen by 54.7% of respondents. This emphasis on emotional intelligence suggests a growing recognition that human connection and understanding are paramount, even as technology advances.

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With children increasingly using AI, they constantly shuttle between virtual and real worlds. Facing this phenomenon, teachers need more preparation.

Furthermore, the survey points to a perceived gap in educational support. A substantial 60% of parents believe that schools do not offer adequate resources to foster these vital skills. While most parents do not want additional classes, they suggest integrating the development of empathy and logical thinking into existing curricula. Educators acknowledge the need for teachers to be better prepared to guide students navigating both virtual and real worlds, emphasizing collaborative learning and professional support to avoid overburdening educators.

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In the past, educational disadvantages were mostly due to lack of economy or resources; but the AI era has also begun to see 'new forms of disadvantage' in a few children.