CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP AS A RESPONSE TO CURTAILING NEGATIVE EXCESSES OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AMONG CHILDREN

Abstract Children are the future of any family, church and nation. When they are properly disciplined and trained for the future, they become helpful in the church, themselves, their families, and the community at large. Children are not left out in the era of technological advancement that has ushered in Artificial Intelligence (AI), as they are widely engaged with it. Whereby technology has become more available to them. AI has come to stay, and its continued usage has shaped the digital landscape. With all of these, the concerns about its harmful excesses, such as addiction, misinformation, overreliance on AI, and moral degradation among children, are growing. This paper explores Christian discipleship as a holistic response to these challenges, offering a faith-based framework for ethical engagement with AI. Discipleship fosters moral resilience. By integrating scriptural teachings, mentorship, and community support, Christian discipleship can guide children in developing a Christ-centered digital ethic. This approach not only mitigates AI’s harmful effects but also empowers children to use technology as a tool for good, aligning with their faith and values. Ultimately, this study highlights the role of Christian discipleship in equipping young believers to navigate AI-driven realities with wisdom and integrity.