Gyeonggi Superintendent Ahn Min-suk Considers Banning Generative AI up to Middle School

Gyeonggi Superintendent of Education Ahn Min-suk announced on the 27th that he is considering a ban on generative AI (artificial intelligence) in schools following his initiative for "phone-free schools."

Speaking at a parent town hall meeting held at Haneul Church in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, that afternoon, Superintendent Ahn stated, "We were the first in the nation to introduce phone-free schools and successfully settle them. Along those lines, I believe we should consider banning generative AI up to middle school."

He elaborated, "When children encounter something they do not know, they should ponder, think, and resolve it on their own, but instead they are simply asking ChatGPT or Gemini. They are losing their capacity for thought."

Superintendent Ahn noted that banning generative AI in school settings is a global trend.

He added that a clear distinction must be made between "AI-related education" and "prohibiting the use of generative AI."

"We will provide AI education, but restricting the reckless use of generative AI is an issue that I, as superintendent, must summon the courage to decide on," Ahn explained.

The town hall meeting was attended by some 150 people, including Pocheon Mayor Baek Young-hyun, People Power Party lawmaker Kim Yong-tae (representing Pocheon and Gapyeong), Pocheon Office of Education Superintendent Ryu Gwi-yeol, as well as parents and school principals.

Starting with town hall meetings for parents in Bucheon, Siheung, and Gwangmyeong on the 6th of this month, Superintendent Ahn has been touring all 31 cities and counties in the province to engage with parents.

The current series of town hall meetings will conclude with their final schedule in Ansan and Uijeongbu on the 30th.

The Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education plans to review the opinions gathered from the field and reflect them in establishing future educational policies.

(Photo provided by Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.