China Trains 6-Year-Olds in AI to Shape Future Tech Leaders

AI classes will now be taught in Beijing schools. These lessons are aimed at young children, some as young as six. By offering these courses, China hopes to prepare its students for future tech roles.

Every year, students will attend at least eight hours of AI classes. They will learn how to use chatbots, understand basic AI ideas, and think about AI’s impact on society. These classes will be tied to subjects like science or computer lessons.

The Beijing Municipal Education Commission shared that this training will be part of a bigger plan. A multi-year AI program will be built. This will include training systems, learning tools, and a way to promote the new study.

This push comes after DeepSeek’s fast success in AI. To stay ahead, China is focusing on building AI skills early in life. In December, the Ministry of Education picked 184 schools to test these new programs. These pilot schools will help shape future lessons.

Top AI leaders in China, like DeepSeek’s Liang Wenfeng, came from Zhejiang University. That’s why Beijing schools may be trying to follow the same path. The goal is to help kids learn early so they can become tech leaders later.

Other countries are doing this too.

Estonia is working with OpenAI to give students and teachers access to ChatGPT Edu. This special version of ChatGPT will be used by 10th and 11th graders starting in September. It will help with homework, planning, and lesson support.

President Alar Karis of Estonia said that AI has changed the world. Schools must now keep up with this change.

South Korea and Canada are also using AI in schools. In some classes, students use AI books. Some private schools in the U.K. even teach without human teachers. Instead, students wear VR headsets and learn with AI tools.

In the U.S., McGraw Hill made two AI tools in 2024. One helps mark digital books. The other helps students write better with instant feedback.

But not all are cheering. Experts say too much tech might harm learning. The United Nations said schools must put people at the centre of AI education. Rules must keep kids safe. Clear goals are needed. Business leaders agree.

AI is powerful. But it must be used the right way. These early lessons may shape how the next generation learns, thinks, and builds.

📌 Source : fortune