Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a part of young people's daily lives. It is present in phones, social media, games, search engines, and tools used for learning. For many children and teenagers, AI is no longer a novelty but something natural—a tool they use daily, often without fully understanding how it works or the consequences it carries.

In response to this reality, we are conducting workshops for youth aged 11–13, where we demonstrate what artificial intelligence really is, where it can be found, and how their peers are using it. Our goal is not to fearmonger about technology, but to build a conscious and responsible approach to its use.

During the sessions, we discuss how AI supports learning, assists with daily tasks, and fosters creativity, while also addressing potential risks. We cover topics related to the excessive use of digital tools, the loss of personal skills, and emotional attachment to technology. We pay special attention to why young people increasingly treat AI as a conversational partner, and sometimes even as "someone close."

The workshops are based on current data and reports regarding the behavior of young users. Participants learn about specific figures and examples that illustrate the scale of the phenomenon. This helps them understand that they are not alone in this experience, while also highlighting the importance of maintaining mindfulness and critical thinking.

We work in an engaging way—through discussions, real-life examples, and simple exercises that help young people pause and reflect on their own habits. We want participants to not only gain knowledge but also be able to apply it in practice.

We believe that education about artificial intelligence should start early and be tailored to the age and experiences of young people. This is not just a technological topic, but above all, a social and emotional one. Therefore, our workshops combine knowledge, reflection, and conversation.

This project is funded by the Municipality of Reda as part of an open call for proposals for supporting public tasks in the field of addiction prevention for 2026. Funding amount: 79,800.00 PLN.

Reda
Jakub Pilarski - Deputy Mayor of Reda