Imagine a world where artificial intelligence steps in as a co-parent, guiding your child through homework, correcting posture, and even offering words of encouragement. Sounds like science fiction? It’s already a reality for millions of families in China. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some parents hail AI as a lifesaver, others worry it’s replacing the very human connection children need to thrive. Let’s dive into this fascinating—and polarizing—trend.
Lu Qijun, a television journalist from Guangdong, China, has found an innovative way to manage her son’s homework sessions. When she’s busy, she places her phone on his desk, camera facing him. The AI assistant, Dola, developed by ByteDance (the company behind TikTok), takes over. It gently reminds her son to sit up straight, focus, and work at a steady pace. Ms. Lu is one of approximately 172 million monthly users of this app, according to QuestMobile, a Chinese statistics platform. But Dola isn’t just a monitor—it’s also a tutor, explaining mistakes and generating practice questions tailored to her son’s needs.
On social media, Ms. Lu shares lighthearted videos of her son’s interactions with Dola, drawing thousands of views from fellow Chinese parents. For her, the appeal goes beyond convenience. As China’s economic growth slows, families are reevaluating their spending on education. Private tutoring, once a staple for middle-class families, is becoming a luxury. Dola offers an affordable alternative. ‘It’s like having my own parenting bible,’ Ms. Lu says. ‘Now I can read a book or answer messages while he does his homework.’
And this is the part most people miss: Dola isn’t just about saving time or money—it’s also about avoiding conflict. In China, parents are expected to stay deeply involved in their children’s education, even after school hours. Homework, extra classes, and constant communication with teachers through platforms like WeChat can be overwhelming. For working parents, especially those from the one-child generation now supporting aging parents and their own kids, the pressure is immense. AI tools like Dola offer a way to ease this burden.
Wu Yuting, a mother of two from Henan province, shares a similar experience. She and her husband used to sit with their children during homework, often leading to frustration. ‘My children behave better in front of AI,’ she says. ‘They think I talk too much.’ The calm, patient tone of the AI bot contrasts sharply with the tension that can build after a long day. But is this avoidance of conflict a good thing? Dr. Qi Jing, an associate professor at RMIT University, warns that conflict and struggle are essential for a child’s brain development. ‘If parents use AI to sidestep these moments, they may be missing opportunities for growth,’ she says.
As AI tools like Dola gain popularity, experts emphasize the need for boundaries. Dr. Qi points out that AI lacks the contextual understanding to replace human supervision. Jeannie Paterson, co-director of the Centre for AI and Digital Ethics at the University of Melbourne, adds that AI products for children should include usage limits, age-appropriate language, and safeguards against harmful content. ‘AI is a tool, not a friend,’ she says. ‘It can assist with tasks but cannot replace human care or love.’
For parents like Ms. Lu, the key is balance. She limits how often Dola speaks to avoid overwhelming her son and still prefers to sit with him when possible. ‘He’s still very young,’ she says. ‘I don’t want him to treat it as a companion.’ Elaine Zhou, a Shanghai-based mother, uses AI tools for homework checks but remains cautious about over-reliance. ‘AI is efficient,’ she says, ‘but it can also reduce the thinking process children need to develop.’
Here’s the burning question: Is AI in parenting a revolutionary helper or a risky shortcut? While it offers undeniable convenience, the long-term impact on children’s emotional and social development remains uncertain. What do you think? Is AI a valuable tool for modern parenting, or are we outsourcing too much of our role to machines? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
