By Roli S
These days when one looks around, the media is screaming Artificial intelligence and its advantages and disadvantages. No doubt we are living in the era of technology that is advancing at an unprecedented rate. Parents and teachers of young children who had only read about AI in science fiction novels, today find themselves navigating the complexities of guiding children in a world where artificial intelligence is now very much a reality. Childhood no longer revolves around simple pleasures and face-to-face interactions; today children are growing up in a digital landscape where AI-driven devices and algorithms are present everywhere. On this Children’s Day as we embrace this new reality, it’s essential to understand both the opportunities and challenges that this change in lifestyle brings into the lives of our children.
Today’s children are surrounded by smart devices, virtual assistants, and algorithms that shape their daily experiences, and it offers numerous benefits, such as instant access to information, personalised learning experiences, and enhanced entertainment options, but it also presents challenges that parents must address on priority basis. The omnipresence of AI raises concerns about its impact on children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. It is essential to provide an environment to our children that they are able to make the best of available resources. For this it is important to teach children how to critically evaluate information online and recognise misinformation and not let fake news shape their world view. Balancing screen time with offline activities such as outdoor play, engaging in hands-on hobbies to foster human connections and importance of face to face-to-face interactions and empathy should be encouraged. Technology should be embraced as a learning tool, to nurture creativity and curiosity, to supplement traditional learning, to promote cognitive development in children, to explore educational apps and interactive learning platforms, to enhance their academic knowledge and critical thinking skills.
“The art of teaching and learning is the art of assisting discovery.” What better way to let children explore more about the benefit of nature and sustainable living using technology and AI. After all it is this balancing act of caring for nature along with scientific development that will ultimately save the world.
A Children’s Day Poem for a Sustainable Tomorrow
On Children’s Day, we gather here
To learn a lesson bright and clear—
A world to cherish, safe and green,
With skies so blue and fields serene.
Reduce the waste, use less each day,
Throw less away, find a new way!
An old toy here, a book so dear,
Reuse, recycle, keep them near.
Recycle wisely! Cans and jars,
Bottles, paper, near and far.
Each item saved from being tossed,
Is one small win, no matter the cost.
Save energy—switch off that light!
Turn off screens before the night.
Natural light is warm and free,
For every home and family tree.
Water’s precious—use it slow,
Turn off taps when waters flow.
Drink from bottles you can use,
Less waste for Earth, less we lose.
Carpool if you can, share the ride,
Help each other, side by side.
Less smoke in the sky, a cleaner air,
For us, for all, we’ll do our share.
Gardens grow with gentle care,
Plant a seed, a tree, right there!
A gift from Earth, food we can grow,
And learn from nature’s steady flow.
Let’s volunteer to sweep and clean,
Keep our parks so fresh and green.
Pick up litter, plant some seeds,
Our love for Earth shines in good deeds.
Create recycling bins at home,
Label each, they’re ours to own.
Separate glass, and plastics too,
To keep our planet green and true.
Upcycle, repurpose, make it new,
Old to gold, it’s fun to do!
From jars to art, don’t throw away,
Reuse all cans, brighten any day.
Make a compost or wormy farm,
Nature’s way, there’s no harm.
Food scraps feed the soil anew,
Helping plants grow strong and true.
On Children’s Day take up this call,
Protect our planet, things big and small.
With every choice, keep Earth in mind,
For nature is God, benevolent and kind.
(Roli S is an Educator and Author based in Thane)
