Who do you want to be?

Episode 39: Should 6-Year-Olds Use iPads? Raising Critical Thinkers in an AI World

Abha Malpani Naismith & Sabine Karunanithy

As schools introduce iPads to even the youngest students, parents are left asking: Is this helping or hurting our children’s development?

In this episode, we dive into a very real moment from Sabine’s life—her 6-year-old son starting school and the emotional debate at the parent-teacher meeting about introducing iPads in Year One.

Joined by her co-host Abha, they explore the broader question:
How can we ensure our children grow up to be critical thinkers and not just passive consumers in an AI-first world?

Topics they explore:

  • The pros and cons of early tech exposure
  • How AI tools like ChatGPT, Khanmigo, and Synthesis can support or hinder child development
  • The risks of unchecked YouTube access
  • Why parental involvement is more crucial than ever
  • How to model curiosity, reflection, and tech literacy at home

This episode is a must-listen for any parent navigating the digital age with young children. Because when it comes to AI and our kids, one question matters most:

👉 Who do you want them to become?

💬 What age do you think kids should start using iPads in school? Let’s open up this dialogue together.