Artificial Intelligence (AI) has quickly moved from something futuristic to something many kids are now using daily. Whether it’s asking Alexa for help with homework or to play their favourite artists, chatting with a customer service bot, or watching YouTube videos recommended by algorithms, AI is now part of their daily world.
That raises a common question for parents: if AI is becoming so advanced, is coding still important for children to learn?
At FunTech, we believe coding is more essential than ever. Far from being replaced by AI, coding will actually give kids the tools to understand it, question it, and use it in ways that spark creativity and opportunity.
Let’s look at why learning to code is one of the best ways for kids to understand and make the most of AI.
Coding builds the foundation for AI literacy
Behind every chatbot, voice assistant, or image generator lies code, algorithms, and vast amounts of data. Coding gives children the skills to understand AI better.
For example, when kids learn a programming language, they discover how instructions can be broken down into logical steps, how computers process data, and how outcomes are produced. This mirrors the way AI works but on a much larger and more complex scale.
Another example is when a child writes a simple Python program that sorts numbers or recognises certain words. By doing this, they’re taking the first steps in understanding the principles behind machine learning models. They begin to see that technology is not all-powerful or mysterious but is instead built from clear rules and patterns created by humans.
This perspective is vital. Instead of treating AI as something untouchable, children who code view it as a tool – one they can learn, question, and even build upon.
Critical thinking and problem solving
One of the biggest risks with AI is blind trust. If an app or tool provides an answer, it’s easy to assume it must be right. But as adults know, AI can make mistakes, show bias, or give incomplete information.
Coding trains children to think differently. When kids write code, bugs happen – often! They learn to test, debug, and try again. They start asking questions: why isn’t this working? What’s the logic behind this result? How could I change the outcome?
This questioning mindset is exactly what’s needed when working with AI. Instead of accepting outputs at face value, children who can code are more likely to pause and ask:
- How was this answer generated?
- What data was it trained on?
- Could the result be biased or inaccurate?
In other words, coding doesn’t just give kids technical skills. It develops critical thinkers who won’t be easily misled by technology, but will use it thoughtfully and responsibly.
Creativity with AI tools
AI can create images, music, stories, and even snippets of code in seconds. To some, this raises a concern: will kids stop being creative if AI can do it for them?
The opposite is true when children know how to code. Coding gives them the confidence to take AI outputs and build on them.
Let’s say that a child asks an AI platform to suggest a storyline for a new video game. Now, rather than just leaving it there, they can use their coding skills to instead bring the game to life by designing characters, adding rules, and influencing the gameplay.
AI becomes a collaborator rather than a replacement. Kids move from being passive consumers of digital content to active creators who know how to direct technology toward their own ideas.
This blend of coding and AI is where some of the most exciting innovations are already happening – and children who can work in both worlds are better placed to lead the way.
Future career opportunities
The job market of the future will look very different from today. In almost every industry – from medicine to art – AI will play a role. But there will always be a premium on people who can understand the technology behind it, adapt it, and push it further.
Coding is the common language that connects all of these opportunities. Children who learn to code today are preparing themselves for careers that might not even exist yet – careers where AI is central.
Whether they want to become a software engineer, a scientist, a game developer, or even an artist, having a grounding in code means they’ll be able to work confidently with the AI tools that are shaping those industries.
At FunTech, we believe in giving children this head start, so that when they step into the workplace, they’re not just keeping up – they’re ahead.
Why FunTech?
FunTech has been teaching kids to code since the 1990s, and our mission hasn’t changed since that time. We want to give kids the confidence to thrive in a digital world, not jus now but into their future.
Our courses are designed to grow with your child. A beginner might start with simple coding projects to learn the basics of logic and problem solving. As they progress, they can move into more advanced areas, including projects that directly connect coding with AI concepts.
We don’t just focus on technical ability. Our expert tutors encourage creativity, collaboration, and resilience – the same skills children will need to make the most of AI in the real world.
Whether online or at one of our summer camps, children get hands-on experience that shows them coding is not just about computers – it’s about problem solving, creativity, and preparing for the future.
Booka course with FunTech today
Learning to coding can be the first step in understanding AI. It gives kids a solid foundation to question technology, the creativity to harness it, and the skills to shape the future.
FunTech’s coding lessons and summer camps are designed to make this possible – fun, engaging, and tailored to your child’s level.
Book today and give your child the tools they need to succeed in a world where AI is everywhere.