Google and the Centre for Evidence and Implementation (CEI) have released findings from their first Navigating the Impact of AI on Teen Internet Safety survey. The study highlights how AI in education in Singapore is transforming learning for teenagers and the growing concerns among parents about AI literacy and online safety.
How AI is Changing Education for Singaporean Teenagers
With AI becoming a key part of school and daily life, 80% of Singaporean teenagers use Generative AI tools weekly. Parents shared that their teens rely on AI for:
- Schoolwork and assignments (68%) – Researching topics, summarizing information, and simplifying complex concepts.
- Everyday tasks (45%) – Organizing schedules and planning activities.
- Entertainment and creativity (41%) – Learning new skills, creating music, art, or written content.
Interestingly, 61% of parents actively discuss AI with their teens, while 63% use Generative AI together—mostly for school-related tasks. This shows a growing parental involvement in AI in education in Singapore.
The Missing Discussion: AI Risks in Education
Despite the widespread use of AI in education, less than half (47%) of parents have spoken to their teenagers about its risks. This raises concerns about whether teens fully understand responsible AI use. Some AI-related concerns among parents are:
- Over-reliance on AI – Teens depending too much on AI-generated responses.
- Misinformation risks – Believing false AI-generated content.
- AI and digital safety – The misuse of Generative AI to manipulate images.
Here are some key findings from parents:
- 40% said their teens don’t realize AI-generated content can be inaccurate.
- 25% reported their teens don’t verify AI-generated schoolwork.
- 16% knew their teen had altered someone’s photo or video using AI.
Despite these concerns, many parents assume their teens already understand AI risks, while 50% believe schools are covering AI education—suggesting a need for more proactive family discussions.
Experts Weigh In: The Role of Parents in AI Education
Norman Ng, Head of Trust & Safety Global Engagements (APAC) at Google Singapore, stressed the importance of parental guidance:
“While AI has undoubtedly brought a lot of benefits, conversations about its potential risks is an important counterweight to ensure that teenagers can navigate its use in a productive way. With homes being a safe space for many teenagers to explore and use AI, parents shouldn’t underestimate the role they can play in shaping their child’s experience. These findings underscore the need for parents and children to engage in open, and honest conversations about AI while tapping on available tools and resources to use AI effectively and responsibly.”
Dr. Jean Liu, Director at the Centre for Evidence and Implementation, added:
“The AI landscape is changing rapidly, and our survey highlights how teens are at the centre of this action. They are already using AI tools on a regular basis. We need all hands on deck to guide our teenagers in this landscape, to ensure they reap the opportunities of technology while staying safe online. Parents, educators, and app developers all have a part to play.”
How Parents Can Support AI Education in Singapore
To address AI concerns, parents believe the following measures are essential:
- Teen education (55%) – Teaching responsible AI use.
- Verification tools (50%) – Encouraging fact-checking of AI-generated content.
- More information on Generative AI (48%) – Raising awareness of potential risks.
- Content labels (45%) – Identifying AI-generated media.
- Parental controls (30%) – Restricting inappropriate AI-generated content.
AI Safety Tools for Families in Singapore
- Google’s Family Link & SafeSearch – Helps parents manage online safety settings.
- Gemini’s ‘Double-check response’ – Allows users to verify AI-generated information.
- ‘About This Image’ tool – Provides background on AI-generated images online.
- YouTube Safety Labels – Notifies users when content is AI-generated.
- AI Essentials on Coursera – Free courses for parents and teens to understand AI.
- Final Thoughts: AI in Education Singapore Needs Parental Involvement
As AI continues to shape education in Singapore, parents must take an active role in guiding their children’s digital experiences. By fostering open discussions, using AI tools responsibly, and leveraging available resources, families can ensure teenagers reap the benefits of AI while staying safe online.
For more information on Google’s AI safety resources, visit here.
