The KüberPähkel (CyberNut) 2024 study focused on the perceptions and experiences of students in grades 4 to 9 regarding cybersecurity and the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI).

The study was conducted from 1 October to 8 November and involved students from 170 schools. A total of 6,796 questionnaires were completed in Estonian and 1,247 in Russian. Participating schools are shown on the map.

The KüberPähkel study is being organised by Tallinn university of technology for the eighth time. The KüberPähkel study is an important source for learning about and understanding the digital behaviour and skills of young people. This time, the focus was, among other things, on how students use generative artificial intelligence applications, and the results provide interesting clues about usage trends and needs. The KüberPähkel study provides valuable input so that the Estonian education system can adapt to the rapidly developing world of technology and support young people’s cyber-safe and smart choices.

Generative AI more widely used in Russian-speaking homes

Preliminary results show that Russian-speaking students use generative AI applications more than their Estonian-speaking peers. This may be due to the need to create homework or texts in Estonian that simple translation tools do not allow them to do well enough. Russian-speaking students also notice more AI-generated content on social media every day, which may further increase their interest and use.

Lack of guidance from teachers and parents

However, the study highlights a concern - students receive less guidance from teachers and parents on how to use AI tools, whether in their studies or in everyday life, and what rules should apply. Nevertheless, students do not want the use of AI to be banned - they instead expect clear and practical guidelines to be created, which they say could be provided by teachers.

Both groups - students who responded in Estonian and Russian - emphasised that teachers have an important role in guiding the use of AI. However, this poses a challenge for schools and teachers, who must quickly acquire the necessary knowledge to support students in this area.

The final results of the KüberPähkel study will be published in February 2025.

Find more information about the work of the Estonian Safer Internet Centre, including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline, and youth participation services, or find similar information for other Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.