Education Minister Paul Givan has responded to rising concerns regarding the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the cognitive development of children and young people. His remarks came following a written inquiry from Justin McNulty, a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Newry and Armagh, representing the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP). McNulty sought Givan’s assessment of the potential cognitive decline among students due to the increasing use of AI technologies.
In his response, Minister Givan acknowledged that while AI presents significant opportunities in educational settings, it also poses challenges that must be carefully managed. He stated, “The use of Artificial Intelligence in education provides both opportunities and challenges for pupils’ development.” According to Givan, research indicates that AI can enhance personalized learning, improve academic outcomes, and boost student engagement.
Despite these advantages, Givan emphasized the importance of maintaining human cognitive processes in education. “AI can generate text, summarize information, and support communication, but it cannot replace the human need to think deeply, reflect, and express ideas authentically,” he added. He cautioned that an over-reliance on AI could negatively affect young people’s critical thinking skills.
The Minister also highlighted the immense potential of AI to improve learning efficiency and academic performance. He noted that successful implementation of AI in education requires careful consideration of issues related to accuracy, cognitive disengagement, and ethical implications. Givan underscored the necessity of a balanced approach, advocating for educational experiences that encourage broad and effective learning without excessive dependence on technology.
To address these concerns, Givan announced that his department is collaborating with various education partners to develop guidance for schools on the use of AI. He anticipates that this guidance will be made available to educational institutions in the 2025/26 academic year.
As discussions around AI’s role in education continue, Givan’s comments reflect a commitment to ensuring that technology serves as a tool to enhance, rather than hinder, the cognitive development of young learners.
