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The Citizen
a day ago
- Science
- The Citizen
Smart tools, smart kids: A parent's guide to AI in education
Not long ago, students studied in analogue: dog-eared textbooks, handwritten notes and the occasional text to an overachieving friend. Today, many learners are turning to something far more advanced – artificial intelligence (AI). In particular, large language models like ChatGPT are fast becoming study companions for a new generation of learners. Kempton Express reports that from drafting essays to summarising chapters, checking maths problems and brainstorming science projects, ChatGPT and similar tools are rapidly and dramatically redefining how young people approach their studies. But are these tools enhancing learning or replacing it? As the world marks Youth Month, Arno Jansen van Vuuren, the managing director at education insurance provider Futurewise, says it is a good time to ask: 'What does the rise of AI mean for education in SA, and how can parents help their children use it to support, not shortcut, their growth?' 'We often call today's children digital natives, but more accurately, they're becoming AI natives, growing up with tools that can generate ideas, write essays and respond almost like a human,' he says. 'While some schools were quick to ban these tools, especially early on, enforcing those rules outside the classroom is nearly impossible. AI is evolving faster than policy can keep up, and it's not going away. These tools are advancing so rapidly that we can't predict what they'll look like even a few months from now. 'As parents, we have a key role to play in helping children build healthy, responsible habits around these tools so that they learn with AI, not from it.' The good: Study support at their fingertips When used correctly, AI can be a powerful learning ally. It helps students break down complex concepts, rephrase difficult topics and generate practice questions or writing prompts. For children too shy to ask questions in class or struggling to focus using traditional study methods, it can be a game-changer. It's also available around the clock, offering consistent support during late-night cramming or weekend revision. The bad: Over-reliance and lost thinking skills 'If students begin relying on ChatGPT to think for them, their critical skills may fade. Generative AI doesn't truly understand topics – it predicts words based on patterns, so learners might copy answers without grasping their meaning. Over time, this can erode both confidence and creativity. 'Think of AI like a calculator. It's great for speeding things up once you understand the process, but if you rely on it before mastering the basics, you risk losing the ability to solve problems on your own, says Jansen van Vuuren. The dangers: Misinformation, privacy and bias While ChatGPT can sound convincing, it isn't always accurate. It can generate false information and, since it draws from data across the internet, may reflect biases or stereotypes. 'There are also privacy concerns. Children might unknowingly share personal information while chatting with AI bots, unaware that this data can be stored or used to train future models.' He advises parents to remind children never to share personal details and always verify AI-generated facts with trusted sources. What can parents do? 'The answer isn't to ban these tools – it's to build understanding. Start by using AI tools with your child. Explore how prompts work and compare AI responses with their school materials. Encourage questions like, 'How did you get that answer?' or 'Can you explain it another way?',' says Jansen van Vuuren. 'Discuss ethical use: When is it okay to use AI for help, and when does it cross into cheating? Help your child understand that the goal is to learn, not just to submit the perfect assignment.' If you're unsure how to start these conversations, resources like the Futurewise Learning Hub can help. The hub offers interactive tools that promote digital and emotional literacy, covering online safety, academic support and practical ways for parents and children to navigate technology together. Preparing for the future of learning AI isn't going away. As it becomes more embedded in society, it will play a major role in how today's learners study, work and solve problems throughout their lives. Teaching children to use it wisely is key to future-proofing their success. 'As technology evolves, so must our parenting. Our role isn't to shield kids from innovation but to help them use it safely and meaningfully. With the right tools and support, parents can turn AI from Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
10-06-2025
- The Citizen
Highway robbery suspects, including cops, back in Kempton Park court
Four of the six suspects arrested in connection with highway robberies around Kempton Park appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court this morning. According to Kempton Express, those arrested include two SAPS officers, two Gauteng traffic officers and two civilians. The state indicated that 212 witness statements, along with ballistic reports and information regarding jamming devices, are still outstanding. One of the SAPS officers, Themba Nkosi, was absent from court as he is currently on sick leave until October 20. On March 28, bail was granted to the four officers, each set at R10 000. The suspects face multiple charges, including the armed robbery of a Toyota Hilux GD-6, a separate incident involving two 9mm firearms, and the kidnapping of three victims who were later abandoned in Atteridgeville and Midrand. Additional charges include possession of prohibited firearms, possession of 23 rounds of ammunition, and contravening the Telecommunications Act 103 of 1996 through the use of jamming devices. Footage circulated on social media shows two people in traffic officer uniforms stopping a G4S security van while another person in police uniform stands nearby with a firearm. The video also captures two civilians forcibly removing the security guards from the van and kidnapping them. The court will reconvene on October 24 to continue the matter.
The Citizen
29-05-2025
- The Citizen
Kempton Park mother vows private probe after ex acquitted of child abuse
A Kempton Park mother says she will not give up on seeking justice for her young daughter following the acquittal of her former husband on charges of sexual abuse. According to Kempton Express, Mandy* has vowed to explore alternative legal avenues and pursue a private investigation, convinced that the trauma her daughter endured goes beyond what was presented in court. The case, heard in the Randburg High Court, centred on allegations involving the couple's daughter, Mia*, who was three years old at the time of the alleged incidents. Now seven, Mia testified in court about her experiences, which formed part of the evidence against the accused. In the judgment, the magistrate acknowledged the child's testimony and the findings of both a forensic social worker and a medical professional, which indicated possible trauma consistent with the allegations. The child's statements were described as credible and unlikely to have been coached. Mandy told the court that she had once confronted her former husband after discovering disturbing content on his electronic devices. Despite concerns raised by expert witnesses and inconsistencies noted in the accused's testimony, the court ultimately found that the State had not proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. The accused denied all allegations, stating that any injuries sustained by the child were due to a medical condition and not abuse. The magistrate noted that while the complainant's testimony was compelling and consistent in many areas, contradictions in certain details meant the court had to approach the matter with caution. The child had difficulty clarifying some aspects of the timeline, which the court attributed to her young age at the time of the incident. 'There was credible evidence of trauma,' the magistrate said, 'but in the absence of proof beyond reasonable doubt, the accused must be acquitted'. The ruling left Mandy frustrated and determined to seek other ways to protect her daughter. 'I want to ensure this is not the end,' she said. 'I will keep fighting for my child.' To help her daughter, Mandy has created a BackaBuddy campaign, which she hopes will raise enough money to launch a private investigation into her former husband and his family. 'I would like an investigation into those who have used their positions of power to commit/assist in the cover-up of the abuse against my daughter. 'I want to expose the evil and save the hundreds of children affected by the abuse, production and distribution of child pornography and false allegations and legal abuse of those who are trying to stop them,' Mandy said. Anyone who can help Mandy can visit BackaBuddy: Justice Army No Secrets. *The names in this article have been changed to protect the child's identity. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
28-05-2025
- The Citizen
Kempton Park resident shot during early morning home invasion
A Glen Marais resident was shot during a home invasion in the early hours of this morning. Kempton Express reports that, according to Kempton Park SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Dipuo Ditshego, police were called to the scene at around 05:30. 'Sergeant Bruce Madingana responded to the call. On his arrival, the victim had already been taken to hospital for medical treatment,' says Ditshego. She explains that a male suspect broke through burglar bars to gain entry into the house. The homeowner reportedly heard movement inside and used a torch to investigate. He was shot in the lower body. His brother was in another room at the time. A laptop and a cellphone were stolen during the incident. 'We currently do not have a description of the suspect,' Ditshego adds. Police confirm that a case of attempted murder, among other charges, is under investigation. SAPS is appealing to anyone with information to come forward. Anyone with knowledge of the incident or suspect can contact the Kempton Park Police Station on 011 393 8628. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
18-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
2 hippos in Ekurhuleni await relocation as permit process drags on
2 hippos in Ekurhuleni await relocation as permit process drags on Permits to relocate two hippos, a mother and her calf, could take up to two months to approve. According to Kempton Express, the two hippos have taken up residence on a farm in Hartebeestfontein along the R25, near Kempton Park. The animals were first spotted in April and have since made one of the farm's ponds their temporary home. 'While the dense vegetation following recent rains has kept the hippos out of sight, clear footprints confirm their continued presence. 'Experts believe the pair migrated through the nearby wetland and river system before settling in the pond,' says Ekurhuleni Water Care Company (ERWAT) communications manager Wanda Annandale. She adds that given the territorial and potentially aggressive nature of hippos, especially mothers protecting their young, ERWAT's environmental division took swift action. 'They contacted the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, whose nature and conservation division visited the site and provided ERWAT with the required documentation to apply for capture and relocation permits,' says Annandale. 'Securing these permits is a complex process and is expected to take up to two months. ERWAT is working closely with a registered wildlife services provider experienced in the safe and humane capture and relocation of large wild animals such as hippos.' In the meantime, ERWAT urges local residents and visitors to exercise caution and avoid the area, particularly after dark when hippos are most active and pose a greater risk. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
