Financial Times column says parents cannot plan around AI jobs

In short: A Financial Times column says parents are increasingly anxious about AI and jobs, but there is no reliable way to choose “safe” subjects for children.

What's going on

A new Financial Times opinion column argues that many parents are trying to steer children toward school subjects and degrees that seem protected from artificial intelligence, or AI (computer systems that can do some tasks that normally need human thinking). The writer says this urge is understandable, because the job market feels uncertain. But the column argues it is an illusion to think families can “robot-proof” education choices.

The piece points to how advice changes quickly. Ten years ago, the popular advice was “learn to code” (write the instructions that software follows). Now it is often “do more maths.” The column suggests that tomorrow’s advice could change again as AI improves.

It also highlights how intense pressure can backfire. The column cites research on South Korea, where heavy extra tutoring is common. The research found that the most tutored children were more likely to become disengaged at school, and the writer notes that many students are not getting enough sleep.

The column also mentions a US study that found 42 percent of current undergraduates have considered changing their major because of AI. It quotes educator Anthony Seldon urging parents to let children decide based on what they enjoy and what they feel they are good at.

What to watch

The column argues that schools and employers may need to adapt, with more flexible training and more apprenticeships (learning by working with experienced people, like an apprentice carpenter). For families, the writer says the priority should be reducing anxiety and helping children build skills like adaptability, independent thinking, and learning from failure.

Source: Financial Times