Schools have been urged to start teaching children how to use AI from the age of 11 due to concerns that this technology could disrupt the job market. The British Computer Society (BCS), also known as The Chartered Institute for IT, recommends that children should not have to wait until their GCSE level to learn about computer science. Instead, they propose that all youngsters should be introduced to tools like ChatGPT at an earlier age.

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Furthermore, the BCS calls for the introduction of a digital literacy qualification with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence and its practical applications. They believe that AI education should also be incorporated into teacher training and headteacher qualifications.

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Julia Adamson MBE, the director of education at the institute, emphasizes the importance of equipping young people with modern digital skills, including an understanding of how AI chatbots can benefit them in both their personal lives and careers. She points out that the current GCSE curriculum primarily focuses on theoretical aspects and lacks coverage of digital literacy, which needs immediate reform to ensure that British teenagers remain competitive.

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Research by Pearson, an education company, highlights that AI is poised to impact various sectors of the economy, with office and administrative jobs being particularly vulnerable. As AI becomes increasingly integral across industries, from marketing to law, Ms. Adamson emphasizes the need for strong knowledge of generative AI. Headteachers have also expressed concerns about the rapid development of large language systems like OpenAI's ChatGPT, highlighting the need for updated guidance in adapting classrooms to evolving AI technologies.

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