Technology experts are cautioning parents to remain vigilant about the use of AI-powered educational apps, which are increasingly being marketed as tools to help children learn. While developers claim these apps make learning fun by turning schoolwork into games, experts warn of potential risks related to data privacy and inaccurate information.
One such app, TeachingBlox, uses AI to assess a child’s interests, strengths, and weaknesses through an interview and then tailors lessons into a video game format. The app even tracks a child’s emotional responses and learning patterns to adjust the content accordingly.
“Most parents are busy and working, so now they have a dashboard that can say ‘Hey, did you do your homework?’” said Ross Paraskevas, founder and CEO of TeachingBlox. “It watches your emotions, analyzes how you answer, and tries to find patterns—if you’re excited about Barbie dolls, it might use that interest to connect to maths or science.”
Parents like Jack Casonato have praised the app for making learning more engaging. “Madeline’s very good at doing her homework, but for the first time I heard her laugh while doing it,” he said. His daughter added, “It makes learning more fun and helps with harder subjects.”
AI-based learning tools are currently being trialled in classrooms across Australia, and the NSW government recently announced plans to make them a permanent feature for students from Years 5 to 12.
However, experts stress that AI should not replace parental guidance. Professor Michael Phillips from Monash University warned, “Children don’t always have the evaluative judgment to determine whether what they’re being told is correct. AI involvement doesn’t replace parents.”
