Mum, why are the news saying people are being made redundant because of AI?

Mum, why are the news saying people are being made redundant because of AI?

Many families are currently asking themselves this question, as Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly entering our everyday lives and the world of work. News reports frequently tell us that people could lose their jobs because machines and programmes are taking over more and more tasks. But why is this happening? And what does it mean specifically for families and professions? I want to explain these topics openly and clearly, and to explain how parents can guide their children when such questions arise.

What's behind the question „Mum, why are the news saying people are getting laid off because of AI?“

Artificial intelligence is increasingly replacing tasks previously performed by humans, particularly in areas with many repetitions or large volumes of data. Studies show that around 27 percent of companies in Germany expect job cuts due to AI in the next five years[1][2]. The automation of processes is being driven forward intensively, especially in industry and retail.

Parents often report that their children worry when they hear such news. For example, a six-year-old often asks: „Mum, why are the news saying people are being made redundant because of AI?“ Or another mother says that her child is afraid of being replaced by a machine himself at some point.

A practical example: a father recounts how his child asked if robots would soon take over all of his favourite tasks. This allows parents to have valuable conversations to share and put fears into perspective.

Which professions are particularly affected?

Groups at risk are primarily jobs with repetitive tasks, for example in production, trade or data entry. At the same time, however, new job profiles such as AI trainers, data scientists or specialists in machine maintenance are emerging [1]. Another practical example: A mother reports that her son is now asking interesting questions about robotics at school and participating in digital workshops, which provides positive impulses.

Parents can encourage their children to get interested in new technology topics and help transform anxieties into curiosity.

„Mum, why are the news saying people will be made redundant because of AI?“ – How parents can offer reassurance and guidance

When children ask these questions, it's helpful to answer honestly and in an age-appropriate way. Parents can explain that AI is a tool that supports, but also changes, people. Many jobs will change, which is why lifelong learning is important.

Practical Tips for Everyday Life:

• Let's talk together about different professions and their future.
• Attend courses or workshops that prepare children for the digital world (e.g. at kikidz.org).
• Gaining experience with technical devices in a playful way to reduce apprehension.

A mother describes: „I told my child that machines can do many things that help them. But people can dream, be creative, and feel - no AI can replace that.“

The best training for families: kikidz.org

Providers such as kikidz.org offer practical training sessions specifically for children and parents. Here, families learn together what Artificial Intelligence means, how it changes our everyday lives, and how to deal with the innovations calmly. This makes the topic tangible and fears can turn into understanding.

Parents report that their children can better categorise many questions after such courses and feel more secure in the digital world. This training is valuable support in dealing with changes, including job market developments shaped by AI, such as job losses.

Mum, why are the news saying people are getting fired because of AI? – A look ahead

Finally, it is important to emphasise that AI not only presents challenges but also opportunities. It helps us to tackle creative and complex tasks better. At the same time, politics, business, and society must work together to ensure the necessary qualifications and social security.

Many parents therefore wish for more opportunities to prepare their children for a future with AI. The question „Mum, why are the news saying people are being made redundant because of AI?“ can thus become an impulse for a constructive discussion that opens up new perspectives.

BEST PRACTICE for parents and teachers „My son often asked if he'd have no work one day because robots were taking over. Together, we've learned that AI creates many new opportunities and we can be curious about his own future.“

My analysis

The question „Mum, why are the news saying people are being made redundant because of AI?“ reflects legitimate concerns that many families are experiencing today. The world of work is noticeably changing due to artificial intelligence – jobs are disappearing, while at the same time, new opportunities are emerging with new professional profiles. Parents can support their children by communicating openly, taking their fears seriously, and focusing on possibilities. Services such as kikidz.org offer valuable support and practical educational impulses for this. This way, the complex topic of AI can become understandable and a constructive part of family discussions.

Further links from the text above:

AI 2025: Are We Facing Job Losses – or Will AI Bring Prosperity? – Industriemagazin
A quarter of companies expect job cuts due to AI – Ifo Institute
Children and Artificial Intelligence – kikidz.org

For more information and if you have any questions, please contact Contact us or read more blog posts on the topic Children and Artificial Intelligence here. You can find the courses here: Children and Artificial Intelligence Courses