The second-largest teachers' union in the United States, the American Federation of Teachers, has recently launched a major campaign, publicly calling on schools to ban artificial intelligence systems from elementary school classrooms. The organization also suggests that devices such as iPads should be kept away from young students to ensure that early schooling reconfirms the role of human teachers.

During a speech at the National Press Club, the president of the union, Randi Weingarten, clearly outlined ten core demands. The most notable provision is an immediate ban on AI systems intervening in the daily teaching of elementary students, and the proposal that students in preschool through second grade should completely avoid using screens.

Concerns About Intelligent Agents Replacing Real Friends

In addition, the union strongly advises that students under 16 should not be exposed to or use companion chatbots. Currently, many schools in the United States are introducing chatbots too quickly, which has already caused widespread concern and anxiety among educators.

In an interview, Weingarten stated that if this issue is not clearly addressed from an educational perspective, the misuse of technology may cause the education sector to lose a generation of children. She emphasized that teaching and learning at the early grade levels are based on interpersonal interactions and should not be interfered with by artificial intelligence.

Seeking a Balance Between Technology and Humanity Rationally

Although the stance is clear, the American Federation of Teachers emphasizes that this move is not a blind rejection of technology. The union states that this is not a "holy war" to completely ban AI, nor is it about burning school Chromebooks. Instead, it aims to leverage the advantages of technology while minimizing harm to young children as much as possible.

In fact, a year-long study by the Brookings Institution's Global Education Center has confirmed this concern. The report points out that the entry of AI into educational settings poses significant risks to children's cognitive and social development, as more and more children are becoming accustomed to using AI robots instead of real friends.