Artificial Intelligence in Early Childhood Education: A Pedagogical and Ethical Roadmap
Abstract
While the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into early childhood education holds significant potential for personalized learning, it also entails serious ethical risks, such as the commodification of childhood. This study moves beyond technology-centered approaches and presents a comprehensive roadmap grounded in the best interests of the child, data privacy, and the pedagogical leadership of teachers. It examines how children’s natural inquiry processes can be supported through AI-based smart assistants, emphasizing that the effectiveness of this support depends on teachers’ AI literacy and ethical awareness. Furthermore, in light of international standards, the study argues that educational algorithms must be designed to be fair, transparent, and free from the risks of anthropomorphism. Ultimately, it proposes a hybrid digital learning ecosystem in which AI operates under teacher supervision, respects cultural contexts, and supports children’s natural developmental trajectories rather than replacing human pedagogy.
Keywords
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Ethics
Journal Section
Letter to Editor
Authors
Publication Date
January 31, 2026
Submission Date
December 26, 2025
Acceptance Date
December 31, 2025
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 3 Number: 1
APA
Sıyrık, B. B. (2026). Artificial Intelligence in Early Childhood Education: A Pedagogical and Ethical Roadmap. Digital Security and Media, 3(1), 4-8. https://izlik.org/JA59SA27KB
AMA
1.Sıyrık BB. Artificial Intelligence in Early Childhood Education: A Pedagogical and Ethical Roadmap. DISEM. 2026;3(1):4-8. https://izlik.org/JA59SA27KB
Chicago
Sıyrık, Behsat Berkay. 2026. “Artificial Intelligence in Early Childhood Education: A Pedagogical and Ethical Roadmap”. Digital Security and Media 3 (1): 4-8. https://izlik.org/JA59SA27KB.
EndNote
Sıyrık BB (January 1, 2026) Artificial Intelligence in Early Childhood Education: A Pedagogical and Ethical Roadmap. Digital Security and Media 3 1 4–8.
IEEE
[1]B. B. Sıyrık, “Artificial Intelligence in Early Childhood Education: A Pedagogical and Ethical Roadmap”, DISEM, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 4–8, Jan. 2026, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA59SA27KB
ISNAD
Sıyrık, Behsat Berkay. “Artificial Intelligence in Early Childhood Education: A Pedagogical and Ethical Roadmap”. Digital Security and Media 3/1 (January 1, 2026): 4-8. https://izlik.org/JA59SA27KB.
JAMA
1.Sıyrık BB. Artificial Intelligence in Early Childhood Education: A Pedagogical and Ethical Roadmap. DISEM. 2026;3:4–8.
MLA
Sıyrık, Behsat Berkay. “Artificial Intelligence in Early Childhood Education: A Pedagogical and Ethical Roadmap”. Digital Security and Media, vol. 3, no. 1, Jan. 2026, pp. 4-8, https://izlik.org/JA59SA27KB.
Vancouver
1.Behsat Berkay Sıyrık. Artificial Intelligence in Early Childhood Education: A Pedagogical and Ethical Roadmap. DISEM [Internet]. 2026 Jan. 1;3(1):4-8. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA59SA27KB