Finland's preschools are now teaching children as young as 3 years old how to spot misinformation and AI-generated content. This is part of a broader effort to make Finns more resistant to propaganda and false claims, especially those coming from neighboring Russia. The country has been teaching media literacy skills for decades, but recent developments, including Russia's disinformation campaign and Finland's ascension into NATO, have prompted the addition of artificial intelligence literacy to the curriculum.
The coursework is designed to help children develop critical thinking skills, which are seen as essential for the nation's safety and democracy. Teachers are now incorporating AI literacy into their lessons, teaching children how to recognize AI-generated images and videos. This is a vital skill, as AI-generated content is becoming increasingly sophisticated and difficult to distinguish from real content. By starting early, Finland hopes to create a generation of citizens who are better equipped to navigate the complexities of the digital age.