From homework help to questions about war and friendships, children across the UAE are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence for answers, prompting many parents to rethink how young people are engaging with the technology.
A new feature introduced by Meta aims to help. Called “Insights,” the tool allows parents to see the general topics their teenagers have discussed with AI over the previous seven days, without revealing the content of private conversations. The feature is designed to offer parents greater awareness while preserving a child’s privacy.
For many families, the tool offers a first real look at how deeply AI has become woven into daily life.
Fatima A., a mother living in Dubai, said her 14-year-old son initially used AI for school assignments, asking questions about science, English and presentation preparation. More recently, however, his interests have expanded to include global affairs.
She noticed him asking about terms such as “ceasefire” and seeking explanations about tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel. For Fatima, that was a reminder that children are absorbing international events, often without fully understanding the context.
Rather than monitoring every interaction, she said she wants to know the broad subjects her son is exploring so she can discuss them with him and provide guidance when needed.
Parents are also grappling with how AI is changing study habits. Hamam El Sharif, a father of two teenagers in Sharjah, said his children frequently use AI to understand current events, which he sees as positive. At the same time, he worries about overreliance on the technology for academic work.
He said tasks that once required independent effort, such as solving basic maths problems, are now often handed over directly to AI. He fears that instant answers may reduce critical thinking and problem-solving skills if children rely on the technology too quickly.
His preference, he said, is for young people to attempt solving problems themselves before turning to AI for additional support or clarification.
For some teenagers, AI has become more than an academic tool. Amna S., whose 17-year-old daughter also lives in the UAE, said her child uses it not only for studying and creative writing but also for advice on everyday social situations.
She has seen her daughter ask AI how to respond to friends or navigate certain conversations, reflecting a broader role for the technology as a source of guidance.
Amna believes tools like Insights can help parents remain informed without intruding. As AI becomes a permanent part of modern life, she said, the key for parents is not to resist it, but to understand it and maintain open conversations with their children about how it is being used.
