Why Children Need AI Education: Insights from Parents in Hungary and Romania

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant concept. From everyday tools like spell checkers and chatbots to personalized learning apps, AI is rapidly shaping how we live, learn, and work. But how prepared are families to guide their children in this new digital landscape?

Recent Logiscool surveys among parents in CEE provide some answers. The findings reveal a clear trend: while parents acknowledge AI’s benefits, many feel underprepared to support their children and are concerned about the risks of over-reliance.

In both Romania and Hungary, parents rated their own knowledge of AI significantly lower than their overall digital literacy. Romanian parents gave themselves an average of 2.6 out of 4, while Hungarian parents rated themselves slightly lower, at 2.4.

This matters because children are already using AI-powered tools. If parents feel unsure, it’s harder for them to guide their youngsters in making safe and effective use of these technologies.

The surveys make one thing clear: parents see AI as a useful tool, but they don’t want it to replace the development of essential skills. In Romania, for example, the highest-rated applications of AI were expanding general knowledge (M=3.3), foreign language learning (M=3.1), and spelling practice (M=3.1). Hungarian parents expressed similar views, prioritizing spelling (M=3.2), summarizing study materials (M=3.1), and expanding knowledge (M=3.1). These results show that parents are most supportive when AI helps children learn more effectively, organize information, and reinforce core academic subjects.

By contrast, when it came to creative tasks like “creating original content”, support dropped noticeably (Romania: M=2.9, Hungary: M=2.8 out of 4). This reflects a deeper concern: that relying on AI in areas requiring original thought, imagination, and expression could undermine children’s ability to think independently.

These priorities align with parents’ biggest worries. In both surveys, the most common concerns were that AI use could weaken practical problem-solving skills, limit children’s ability to critically evaluate content, and reduce their capacity for complex thinking and independent project work (Romania: M≈2.9–3.0; Hungary: M≈2.6–2.8).

Taken together, the message from parents is consistent: AI should be a support, not a crutch. A balance needs to be found between digital support and the mastery of core concepts. While AI can be a powerful aid, it should complement rather than replace the development of independent thinking, problem-solving, and self-expression. It is not a sustainable solution if children grow dependent on AI to articulate their ideas or complete basic tasks.

Institutions supporting digital education need to be explicit about this — and at Logiscool, we are very strict about teaching children not to rely on AI too much. The priority is to build strong foundational skills such as critical reading, writing, and numeracy before introducing AI as an enhancement. This approach mirrors mathematics education: children first learn to solve problems manually, building understanding and confidence, and only later integrate calculators to extend their capabilities.

A large majority of parents in both countries already discuss AI with their children at home (78–79%). Many even learn about AI together with their children – 37% in Hungary and 57% in Romania.

Interestingly, the two countries differ when it comes to extracurricular learning. In Hungary, only 5.5% of parents enroll their children in outside lessons about AI. In Romania, the number is a bit higher at 25%. Even more striking: Romanian parents who learn at home with their children tend to feel more competent in AI than those who rely on external courses – the opposite of the Hungarian pattern.

These findings point to an urgent need: AI education for children cannot wait. Parents are eager to support their children but often feel they lack the expertise. Schools, extracurricular programs, and educational organizations need to step in to fill this gap – not just teaching children how to use AI tools, but also how to think critically, solve problems independently, and balance technology with creativity.

At the same time, parents need resources to learn alongside their children, so they can stay informed and provide guidance at home.

AI is here to stay, and today’s youngsters will grow up in a world where using it effectively and responsibly will be as essential as reading, writing, or numeracy. Already today, almost every profession — from marketing and design to healthcare, law, engineering, and even skilled trades — requires some level of digital and AI literacy. The ability to understand, evaluate, and apply AI tools is quickly becoming a baseline expectation in the job market.

This means that children who learn how to use AI responsibly will have a clear advantage: they’ll be able to solve problems more efficiently, adapt to new technologies, and remain competitive in a rapidly changing workplace. On the other hand, those who grow up without AI skills will find themselves at risk of being left behind, losing out on educational and professional opportunities to peers who are better prepared.

The choice is in our hands as parents, educators, and communities. We can either equip our children with the knowledge and confidence to navigate AI as a tool for growth and creativity, or we can leave them unprepared for a future where these skills are not optional but essential.

At Logiscool, we believe the answer is clear: give children the opportunity. By teaching them not just how to use AI, but how to question it, think critically, and apply it responsibly, we help ensure they step into the future as leaders, creators, and innovators — not just passive users of technology.

Interested in the other results? Check out our blog posts on digital literacy and online safety to learn what parents think and how we can better prepare children for the digital age.