At FunTech, we believe that coding is still the ultimate superpower for kids. If we’ve learned anything down the years, it’s that kids that code have a world of opportunities open up for them. Whether that’s in school, a future career, or how they interact with others and gain confidence… coding classes can help with it all.
However, things are changing the way people think, and that includes some parents. It wasn’t that long ago that parents believed teaching kids to code was like teaching them to read or write – in other words, a must-have skill for the future. But with the advent of artificial intelligence tools including ChatGPT which are able to write code in seconds, some are now asking us:
“Should my child still bother learning to code if AI can just do it for them?”
It’s a very relevant question, and completely understandable – but the short answer is: absolutely, yes. Kids should still learn to code despite AI tools.
Why Kids Should Still Learn Coding Despite Artificial Intelligence
Buy why exactly should kids learn coding when AI can code for them then?
Here’s why we believe coding remains one of the most important skills your child can learn, even in the age of AI.
1. Coding Teaches Kids How to Think – Not Just How to Type Code
Coding is not just about writing lines of code. It’s also about problem-solving and logical thinking. Kids that code learn how to:
- Coding helps kids break big problems into small steps
- Coding helps kids think creatively to find solutions
- Coding helps kids spot patterns and debug mistakes
- Coding helps with academic performance
- Coding helps with writing skills and storytelling
- Coding is fun and can increase confidence
- Coding classes can keep kids busy in the summer
These are skills that stretch far beyond writing lines of code. Whether your child becomes a software engineer, a doctor, an architect, or invents a brand-new job the world hasn’t seen yet, they will need this kind of thinking.
To find out more, please read our blog post containing 13 reasons why kids should learn coding.
2. Someone Has to Tell AI What to Build
Yes, it’s true. AI can be very good at generating code, and it’s likely to get better. But it can’t do things which humans can. For example:
- Decide which app will delight users the most
- Understand your child’s unique game idea
- Choose the best way to solve a problem for real people
You might wonder whether kids can just ask AI to write the code, then kids copy and paste it… but:
- Copying and pasting AI-generated code is not enough – kids need to know how and why it works
- AI is not always accurate – it takes understanding to spot mistakes and correct them
- Knowing how to give clear instructions and interpret output is a skill in itself
- AI can assist, but it cannot replace the thinking behind a project
In other words, AI is a brilliant assistant for kids that code. However, we can’t see a point yet where humans still won’t be the designers and decision-makers. Kids who know how code works will be the ones who know what to ask AI to create, and then how to check that it works.
3. Coding + AI Gives Kids Superpowers
Learning to code doesn’t become obsolete because of AI. It can actually become more powerful. Kids who understand coding can:
- Work faster using AI tools like Copilot or ChatGPT to help write or debug code
- Try more ambitious projects as AI takes care of more routine parts and tasks
- Come up with new ideas that blend human creativity with AI capabilities
Instead of thinking that AI will replace human coders, consider how AI is becoming the ultimate sidekick and assistant.
4. Coding Teaches Digital Confidence
When kids learn coding, they become creators, rather than simply being consumers of tech. Instead of simply using apps or playing games, they:
- Build their own projects (such as on the FunTech courses)
- Understand how technology works, leading to better ideas
- Feel empowered to explore new tech tools including AI
This digital confidence helps kids stay safe and smart online and prepares them for any future tech changes.
5. The Future Belongs to Digital Creators
Whether AI writes code or not, the world is moving towards more technology, not less. Jobs of the future will rely on kids who have learned to code and so:
- Understand how digital systems work
- Can talk to both humans and machines
- Use creativity to solve new challenges
Learning to code now, despite the perceived threat of AI, puts kids ahead of the curve for tomorrow.
Did You Know? FunTech offers a summer course, either in classrooms or online, which teaches kids aged 12 to 16 about artificial intelligence. Find out more about our AI Machine Learning course and see available dates.
So… Should Kids Still Learn to Code Despite AI?
Absolutely. Kids should still learn coding now that AI can code.
Whilst AI might be able to write code, and be good at it, it’s still the kids who will decide what amazing things to build with it in the future. Learning to code helps children to think critically, work creatively, and feel confident using new technologies, including AI itself.
At FunTech, we’re not just about teaching kids to code. We’re helping them become digital creators and future innovators.
Want Your Child to Explore Coding and AI?
Check out our latest courses, both during term-time, and school holidays. There’s a large range of coding courses to choose from. If you need help deciding what to choose, please contact us and we can learn more about your child and which course will suit them best.