The International Rescue Committee, UK, Moving Minds Alliance (MMA) has called upon governments and other stakeholders in the world to ensure that AI-driven early childhood educational tools are developed and deployed with a focus on human connection,for early childhood development.
The Director of MMA, Tricia Young disclosed this in a statement signed on Friday in conjunction with Director, International Step by Step Association (ISSA) Liana Ghent to mark International Day of Education.
In the statement made available to newsmen in Lokoja by Lola Ayanda ,Network Communications Manager, the organisations noted that human connection is crucial for early childhood development, especially in humanitarian settings, as it provides emotional and psychological support, including helping children feel safe and secure.
They noted that the 2025 International Day of Education with the theme :”AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation” , resonates deeply with their vision of a world where families caught up in crisis are able to rebuild resilience and foster the wellbeing and development of their young children.
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They said “positive interactions with caregivers and peers stimulate cognitive development, essential for language acquisition and problem-solving skills.
“Additionally, human connection promotes better physical health, as emotionally connected caregivers ensure proper nutrition and healthcare
“Strong relationships also build resilience, enabling children to cope better with adversities, and teach essential social skills like empathy and communication.
According to them, research shows that quality early childhood interventions can mitigate the adverse effects of trauma and provide a foundation for lifelong learning and well-being.
The organisations added that early childhood is a pivotal period for cognitive, emotional, and social development.
They stressed further that in humanitarian contexts, where children face compounded risks from displacement, conflict, and instability, the need for robust Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs is even more pressing.
They averred that as the society navigate the rapid advancements in technology, it is crucial to ensure that the innovations, particularly AI should serve to enhance, rather than replace, the essential human elements of learning and connection that children need to thrive.
However, the international organizations stressed that the use of AI in humanitarian settings raises significant concerns about data privacy and protection.
“Children’s data can be misused, putting them at risk of exploitation and abuse.
“Beyond concerns for data privacy, there is significant worry regarding screen time, which should be very limited for young children.
“Research indicates that excessive screen time can negatively impact the cognitive development of children under six years old, affecting memory, attention, and critical thinking skills.
“Additionally, it can hinder the development of empathy and social skills”, the statement read .
Meanwhile, the organisations called upon the world bodies to implement these technologies responsibly to protect vulnerable children and ensure their rights are upheld
They therefore called upon Multi-stakeholders to “foster partnerships across sectors to develop and deploy AI-driven educational tools that are accessible, inclusive, and culturally relevant with a focus on human connection and encourage expansion of learning beyond the screen with support from adults”.
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