China plans to teach kids AI skills from early childhood

Welcome to an artificial world

Welcome to an artificial world, Advancing a global agenda, Ramping up innovation, A key role, Extracurricular activities included, An eight-hour-a-year start, Ethics courses, Calls for more regulation, A note of caution

In its bid to carve out a dominant global role, China is planning to incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into every aspect of its education system in a massive reform program.

Advancing a global agenda

Welcome to an artificial world, Advancing a global agenda, Ramping up innovation, A key role, Extracurricular activities included, An eight-hour-a-year start, Ethics courses, Calls for more regulation, A note of caution

As the Asian giant flexes its muscles in the face of US president Donald Trump’s tariffs, it is further advancing its agenda by preparing the next generation for a world in which AI is key, integrating it into the curriculum, textbooks and teaching methods, Reuters reports.

Ramping up innovation

Welcome to an artificial world, Advancing a global agenda, Ramping up innovation, A key role, Extracurricular activities included, An eight-hour-a-year start, Ethics courses, Calls for more regulation, A note of caution

According to China’s education ministry the aim is to “cultivate the basic abilities of teachers and students,” and ramp up the "core competitiveness of innovative talents.”

A key role

Welcome to an artificial world, Advancing a global agenda, Ramping up innovation, A key role, Extracurricular activities included, An eight-hour-a-year start, Ethics courses, Calls for more regulation, A note of caution

AI will be central to China’s education system from September 2025 and will be introduced to both primary and secondary education while higher education will expand its AI programs.

Extracurricular activities included

Welcome to an artificial world, Advancing a global agenda, Ramping up innovation, A key role, Extracurricular activities included, An eight-hour-a-year start, Ethics courses, Calls for more regulation, A note of caution

The education authorities in China posted as message on the official website, explaining that schools would “explore and build” AI courses while extracurricular activities and learning research would also be targeted, reports Channel News Asia.

An eight-hour-a-year start

Welcome to an artificial world, Advancing a global agenda, Ramping up innovation, A key role, Extracurricular activities included, An eight-hour-a-year start, Ethics courses, Calls for more regulation, A note of caution

Initially, schools will be expected to offer students at least eight hours of AI classes a year, according to the authorities. These hours can be woven into the curriculum or be taught apart.

Ethics courses

Welcome to an artificial world, Advancing a global agenda, Ramping up innovation, A key role, Extracurricular activities included, An eight-hour-a-year start, Ethics courses, Calls for more regulation, A note of caution

AI ethics courses will also be introduced to ensure that students understand how to use AI tools “scientifically, reasonably, steadily and prudently.”

Calls for more regulation

Welcome to an artificial world, Advancing a global agenda, Ramping up innovation, A key role, Extracurricular activities included, An eight-hour-a-year start, Ethics courses, Calls for more regulation, A note of caution

Some in China have, however, raised the alarm over having children immersed in AI, with Chinese lawmakers calling for more regulation to avoid abuse.

A note of caution

Welcome to an artificial world, Advancing a global agenda, Ramping up innovation, A key role, Extracurricular activities included, An eight-hour-a-year start, Ethics courses, Calls for more regulation, A note of caution

In Chinese state media, Zhang Yi, a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, has called for caution.

Post Related