MORE than a half of national school children are using Artificial Intelligence and being exposed to misinformation and disinformation, it is warned.
The kids aged eight to 12 are then bringing potential online propaganda into the classroom, according to the latest research.
It comes from an initiative called the Blue Star Programme that is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and is implemented by not-for-profit pro-Europe organisation European Movement Ireland.
A spokesperson said: “Some 55 per cent of primary school children are now using AI.
“The Blue Star Programme’s Media Literacy Series supports teachers in bringing conversations on misinformation and disinformation into the classroom.
“Last year, 15 schools in Donegal participated in the programme, reflecting strong local engagement and interest in learning about the EU.
“European Movement Ireland is inviting schools across Donegal to sign up this year.
“As pupils increasingly look online and use AI to learn about the world around them, European Movement Ireland developed an interactive video series introducing essential skills on EU issues that help children recognise misinformation and disinformation.”
More than a half of national school children are using Artificial Intelligence, warns the Blue Star Programme that is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and is implemented by not-for-profit pro-Europe organisation European Movement Ireland. Photo: Cyber Safe Kids.
Movement Ireland chief David Geary said: “The rise of AI, misinformation, and fake news means people of all ages are increasingly exposed to manipulation.
“Children are particularly vulnerable. Younger pupils will grow up in a world fundamentally different to their parents’ experience.
“The Blue Star Programme’s Media Literacy Series teaches pupils to question what they see and distinguish between what is real and what is not.”
The Government has placed the issue of children’s online safety as a key priority during during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The Blue Star Programme is open to all primary school ages from junior infants to sixth class, and is designed to run in every school setting across Ireland, including island schools, Gaelscoileanna, and DEIS schools.
More information is available from the bluestarprogramme.ie website.