Exploring Children's Stories: The Rise of AI and Digital Literacy in Young Storytellers
Children are incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into their stories more frequently, according to research. Mentions of AI in stories submitted by children aged five to 11 to the BBC 500 Words competition increased by 50% in 2025. Oxford University Press analyzed the submissions and found that children are personifying AI and expressing concerns about excessive phone use, with terms like "doomscrolling" and "brainrot" making appearances for the first time. Some stories featured ChatGPT as a character and explored themes of AI versus humans.
The analysis also revealed a significant increase in mentions of libraries and books in children's stories over the past decade, while references to Kindles have declined. Sarah Hannafin from the school leaders' union NAHT emphasized the importance of supporting children, teachers, and families in navigating the risks and benefits of digital technology. Critical thinking skills, including the ability to discern reliable information and understand data privacy, are crucial for children in today's digital age.
All stories submitted to the competition are stored in a database and analyzed by experts. Researchers noted a decrease in mentions of football but an increase in references to rugby. Popular toys like Lego, TV shows such as The Traitors, and characters like Cinderella and Snow White were frequently mentioned in the stories. The Labubu toy made its debut in children's stories in 2025, reflecting the evolving interests of young storytellers.
Andrea Quincey, director of early years and primary publishing at Oxford University Press, highlighted the significance of studying children's language use to gain insights into their perceptions of the world. Concerns about the impact of technology, especially smartphones and social media, on children have been growing. A survey by the UK Safer Internet Centre and Nominet revealed that while nearly all young people aged eight to 17 use AI, 35% believe it has hindered their creativity.
In conclusion, children's stories are evolving to reflect their awareness of AI and digital technology's impact on their lives. The increasing mentions of AI, along with shifts in references to traditional and digital reading materials, underscore the need for ongoing support and education to help children navigate the digital landscape effectively. By fostering critical thinking skills and promoting responsible technology use, educators and families can empower children to engage thoughtfully with the digital world.