Gone are the days when coding and programming were seen as the skills to best position young adults for successful careers. Today, Gen Alpha is growing up within an AI-driven world that’s reshaping every pre-conceived assumption about preparation for the workforce. Our new research, which surveyed 9- to 15-year-olds with oversight from their parents/guardians, shows this cohort is taking AI usage and familiarity to the next level, with 62% using AI at least once a week and 34% using it daily. Their parents have noticed, and their reactions are different than you may expect. Instead of worrying about a robot takeover, most parents who contributed to the study say they’re quickly realizing the growing impact of AI on the world and how it can influence the future that their children will live in. As a result, they’re implementing a hands-on approach to make sure these impacts stay positive. Based on responses from our research, here are the steps parents are taking now to make sure their children are AI-ready for the world of tomorrow. AI inside the classroomGen Alpha entered a school system where laptops and tablets are the new textbooks, and classrooms come equipped with wall-to-wall technology. These transformations have led to a now-heavy reliance, and AI use for educational purposes is increasing, too. Instead of considering AI as an “easy way out” linked to laziness, 21% of Gen Alpha parents say they are encouraging their children to utilize AI for school and homework. Some parents are even worried this level of AI usage isn’t enough given how quickly it’s evolving. Research completed by Samsung Electronics America has shown that 81% of parents believe that an AI-focused curriculum in schools is not being made as large of a priority as it should be. To combat concerns about the lack of AI education during school hours, some parents say they are providing children with a classroom environment at home that supports AI exploration. They are also recognizing the importance of teaching AI ethics and responsible use. AI outside the classroom Gen Alpha’s usage of AI doesn’t lessen when the school day ends. Our research found that 58% of parents believe AI helps with creativity and 43% of parents believe that it helps spark new interests. This has led to AI tools being seen as imaginative outlets that provide entertainment, which is important for marketers to keep in mind as the oldest Alphas are soon entering adulthood. This cohort is well-versed in AI from every angle and has a high standard on what is considered “AI slop” versus valuable content. Recreationally, Gen Alpha utilizes AI to create artwork, videos, music and as an assistant to help with pre-established hobbies. And 47% of Alphas say they’re also using it as a search engine that allows them to get answers quickly and learn something new in their spare time. By connecting AI to the interests and curiosities that already shape childhood experiences, parents say they are finding ways to demonstrate how the technology can be not just educational but also engaging. At the same time, many parents are intentionally introducing conversations around AI’s risks — such as deepfakes and misinformation — to help children develop critical thinking skills early on. These parents feel introducing AI in a thoughtful, guided way has the potential to expand their children’s digital literacy from a young age. AI for facts, humans for feelingsGen Alpha already recognizes that chatbots can’t replace genuine human connection, as our research shows that 54% continue to trust humans over AI for recommendations and 76% do for personal advice. This cohort can decipher between a question that is “parent-worthy” versus “AI-worthy,” which reflects in how they interpret AI-generated ads. Marketers should be aware that younger consumers are more likely to think of brands as “inauthentic” over “innovative” if they don't genuinely and transparently use AI in advertising. However, some parents think differently about AI and are using it as a tool to help them bond with and enhance trust with their children. In certain cases, this has gone as far as creating a “triangle of communication,” when the parent, child and chatbot all talk through an issue. Parental anxieties about AI While 60% think of AI’s impact as very positive or mostly positive, we must acknowledge that concerns about potentially negative effects remain. From an education perspective, parents want to ensure it functions as an assistive tool, not a crutch that decreases Gen Alpha’s learning and intelligence. 56% of parents have anxiety about AI’s potential impact on critical thinking and cognitive development. They worry that their ability to detect when AI is being misused by their children can lead to an imbalance between their independent thinking skills and their reliance on it. Many parents also say they are wary of Gen Alpha being exposed to age-inappropriate, harmful or biased content, as well as the potential risks surrounding privacy and data security. Unlike previous generations, this cohort is surrounded by AI-generated content that looks and sounds real. Exposure to this at a young age affects a developing mind’s ability to separate fact from fiction.Beyond content concerns, parents worry that increased reliance on AI could contribute to greater social isolation and dependency, shaping a generation that may struggle to balance digital engagement with real-world connection. Marketers should be conscious of these sensitivities when engaging with Alpha parents, and clearly demonstrate their diligence for governance processes to ensure they’re instilling confidence and security. Gen Alpha’s future with AIGen Alpha has grown up surrounded by screens, technology and now chatbots. While some parents are concerned about AI’s impact on their children’s lives, the majority believe AI education will provide their children with useful skills for future careers. If it improves their critical thinking, helps with practicing interpersonal skills and aids with efficient learning, they believe the benefits are clear. Marketers should see this with eyes wide open. When AI is used in an ethical manner that provides authentic content, this cohort and their parents react accordingly. As their parents help Gen Alpha become AI-ready today, it will shape the way they lead the technology and AI-driven world of tomorrow. Check out Razorfish's latest research on Gen Alpha’s usage and attitudes toward AI.Dani Mariano is CEO of Razorfish. With more than 20 years in marketing leadership roles spanning categories, she is committed to keeping brands on the forefront of the latest trends and innovative breakthroughs. Mariano has overseen the rollout of Razorfish’s custom AI tools, and with a personal passion for Gen Alpha, has spearheaded the agency’s generational research for future-proofing the playbook for clients’ business growth planning. She empowers Razorfish to be leaders in what’s next, not only identifying where the industry is headed, but also proactively shaping its next chapters. Under her watch, Razorfish has received recognition as a top innovation agency from Campaign US for three straight years (2024-2026).