AI is writing essays. AI is passing exams. AI is graduating with honours.

But what’s happening to our kids’ brains?

When an MIT study found students who used ChatGPT had dramatically worse recall, headlines screamed: “AI is destroying intelligence.” The truth is more complicated — and more confronting.

In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack what AI is actually doing to developing brains, why schools may be accidentally making it worse, and the one rule every family needs before a child touches ChatGPT again.

Because this isn’t about banning AI. It’s about protecting your child’s ability to think.

KEY POINTS
Brain first, then AI
What EEG scans revealed about neural engagement
Why students using AI first “never recovered” cognitively
The alarming reality inside high schools and universities
How over-reliance weakens critical thinking (even in doctors)
The “forklift at the gym” analogy from Alfie Kohn
Why productive struggle is essential for learning
Practical scripts parents can use at home
What schools should be doing differently

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Using AI to write for you is like bringing a forklift to the gym. The weights get lifted — but you don’t get stronger.”

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
 Create the Brain-First Rule. No AI use until your child has attempted the task independently.
 Normalise Productive Struggle. Remind them: frustration builds neural pathways.
 Use AI as a Challenger, Not a Writer. Instead of “Write this for me,” teach them to ask: “Ask me to explain my argument before giving feedback.” “Challenge my reasoning with three hard questions.”
Model It Yourself. Let your kids see you think first, then refine with technology. 
Have the Long-Term Conversation. Ask: Do you want to think for yourself — or let a machine think for you?

AI is writing essays. AI is passing exams. AI is graduating with honours.
But what&rsquo;s happening to our kids&rsquo; brains?
When an MIT study found students who used ChatGPT had dramatically worse recall, headlines screamed: &ldquo;AI is destroying intelligence.&rdquo; The truth is more complicated &mdash; and more confronting.
In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack what AI is actually doing to developing brains, why schools may be accidentally making it worse, and the one rule every family needs before a child touches ChatGPT again.
Because this isn&rsquo;t about banning AI. It&rsquo;s about protecting your child&rsquo;s ability to think.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Brain first, then AI</li>
<li aria-level="1">What EEG scans revealed about neural engagement</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why students using AI first &ldquo;never recovered&rdquo; cognitively</li>
<li aria-level="1">The alarming reality inside high schools and universities</li>
<li aria-level="1">How over-reliance weakens critical thinking (even in doctors)</li>
<li aria-level="1">The &ldquo;forklift at the gym&rdquo; analogy from Alfie Kohn</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why productive struggle is essential for learning</li>
<li aria-level="1">Practical scripts parents can use at home</li>
<li aria-level="1">What schools should be doing differently</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;Using AI to write for you is like bringing a forklift to the gym. The weights get lifted &mdash; but you don&rsquo;t get stronger.&rdquo;
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li>&nbsp;Create the Brain-First Rule. No AI use until your child has attempted the task independently.</li>
<li>&nbsp;Normalise Productive Struggle. Remind them: frustration builds neural pathways.</li>
<li>&nbsp;Use AI as a Challenger, Not a Writer. Instead of &ldquo;Write this for me,&rdquo; teach them to ask:&nbsp;&ldquo;Ask me to explain my argument before giving feedback.&rdquo;&nbsp;&ldquo;Challenge my reasoning with three hard questions.&rdquo;</li>
<li>Model It Yourself.&nbsp;Let your kids see you think first, then refine with technology.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Have the Long-Term Conversation. Ask: Do you want to think for yourself &mdash; or let a machine think for you?</li>
</ol>

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy families podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now.

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

AI Is Making Our Kids Dumber and Schools Are Letting It Happen

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/5e462b2b-66ba-422c-8b7c-b40100ae7f4c/transcript