AI Surveillance Takes Centre Stage in Chinese Classrooms

The Chinese Classrooms are equipped with AI Cameras and Brain Trackers that has sparked a mixed response among parents and educators. New artificial intelligence technologies are rapidly changing the way children in China use the internet.
  
While these technologies are often viewed as tools to enhance academic performance and monitor student engagement, they have also raised significant concerns for many children. A report says, Over 20% of Children in China’s cities use AI devices.
 
For some students, the surveillance aspect of these devices creates anxiety and fear, turning the classroom environment into a source of stress rather than a place of learning. This dual perspective highlights the ongoing debate about the role of technology in education and its impact on student well-being. The report found that usage of AI-enabled devices has rapidly grown among minors in urban areas in particular.

The survey findings reveal that over 45% of minors have interacted with AI-powered products at least once, highlighting the growing integration of technology in their lives. Notably, 20.5% of minors in urban areas are reported using AI-enabled devices, whereas only 8.1% of the rural counterparts are using AI-enabled devices.

This disparity underscores the urgent need for educational initiatives aimed at teaching children how to use AI safely and effectively, as well as addressing the widening “AI gap” between urban and rural regions.

The reliance on smartphones further emphasizes the importance of equipping children with the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital landscape responsibly.
Concerns regarding the impact of AI technology on minors have been escalating in China. The technology not only monitors students’ behaviour and attentiveness in class but also reports these observations directly to the parents. For instance, AI systems can inform parents if their child is sleeping in class or whether they were engaged during lessons.
 
Parents also play a vital role in guiding their children on the healthy use of AI devices. It is essential for families to foster open conversations about technology, helping minors understand its benefits and risks while ensuring that their engagement with AI remains balanced and positive.