Algorithms quietly decide what we see online — the videos that appear, the news we read, even what we believe. They’re woven into every corner of the digital world, from TikTok to Spotify to AI chatbots.
Our children, who are growing up to be digital natives from a very young age: according to Childwise, a research outfit, in Britain 83% of 11- to 12-year-olds and 96% of 13- to 14-year-olds have their own phones, and in Germany the number of 10- to 11-year-olds who do is 67%, says Bitkom, an industry association. It is hard to resist the allure of algorithmically recommended media, news and information for adults, and it is even harder for children, who often have not yet developed the necessary skills for sustainably experiencing the digital landscape, such as critical thinking, emotional regulation and the ability to discern what is real and what isn’t.
Over the next few days, we’ll explore how algorithms affect children — from filter bubbles and cyberbullying to mental health, AI overreliance, and more — and what we can do as parents and educators to guide them safely.
At ABI School, we believe digital awareness must be a core part of education. Our goal is to raise curious, critical, and compassionate thinkers who don’t just use technology — they understand it. 💡🌍
Join us next week as we unpack the 10 hidden effects of algorithms on young minds — and share practical steps to help children thrive in a digital world.
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