A recent proposal to introduce an artificial intelligence (AI) educational program to children starting from grade one has ignited widespread discussion among parents in Ho Chi Minh City.

Truong Gia Binh, chairman of Vietnamese tech giant FPT, made the suggestion, expressing his desire to see Vietnam as an AI nation. 

Dinh Thi Thuy, a parent from District 10, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) that she threw her support behind the proposal to integrate AI into schools for first graders.

“I fully support the idea of introducing AI to education starting in grade one. It is important for children to familiarize themselves with new concepts that will be essential in their future,” she said.

However, not all parents are on board with the idea. 

Many argued that introducing AI at such an early stage feels premature. 

Nguyen, an IT engineer and parent, expressed concern over the feasibility of implementing AI education at elementary schools. 

He told Tuoi Tre that teaching AI to first graders is too early. 

“In order to understand AI applications in daily life, students need to have a basic understanding of computing and be able to use devices like computers or tablets. However, first graders typically have little exposure to such tools,” Nguyen said.

“It seems unreasonable to propose AI education at this stage."

He raised concerns about the impact of early exposure to electronic devices on children’s health. 

“Early exposure to AI could be beneficial, but it is crucial to ensure that learning is conducted in a scientific and effective manner,” he said. 

Another parent, Tu, whose child attends a prestigious high school specializing in IT in Ho Chi Minh City, also questioned the introduction of AI education. 

She shared that her child began studying computing in grade six and has since made significant progress in developing a strong interest in the subject. 

“I believe every child has their own talents and interests. In grade six, students have a better sense of what they like and can understand how AI might be applied in daily life," she elaborated.

“They are also more equipped to explore new subjects and start shaping their career interests. As such, grade six is more suitable for AI education than grade one."

Key concern: Avoiding overreliance on AI

Do Tran Binh Minh, CEO of AI Education Vietnam, an authorized partner of Google for Education in Vietnam, shared that AI Education is involved in the global TeachAI initiative launched by the World Economic Forum. 

Several extensive discussions and research on the appropriate age for children to engage with AI are being conducted.

For instance, Google’s AI-based Gemini has a minimum usage age of 13. 

Besides, theTeachAI initiative is proposing a global policy on AI in education that will take into account ethical considerations and the risks of over-dependence on AI among students.

AI Education is collaborating with Saigon University to pilot an AI curriculum for students as early as grade three. 

The program is designed to focus on introducing students to basic AI concepts, data handling, and most importantly, fostering a sense of responsibility and safety in using AI at an early age.

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