A prominent pediatrician has issued an urgent call for rigorous clinical trials to evaluate artificial intelligence tools designed for children, highlighting a critical disconnect between how these technologies are developed and how they should be tested. Dr. Dua Hassan argues that current AI development prioritizes engagement metrics—such as user retention and time spent on platforms—rather than measuring genuine developmental benefits.
Unlike pharmaceutical interventions in pediatric care, which undergo stringent regulatory scrutiny, AI tools for children largely escape rigorous evaluation protocols. Dr. Hassan’s analysis reveals that developers focus predominantly on commercial viability through engagement metrics rather than evidence-based outcomes related to cognitive, social, or physical development.
The pediatrician advocates for treating AI applications as clinical interventions, complete with randomized controlled trials, prescription-style guidelines, and clear indications for use. This approach would align pediatric AI development with established standards of evidence-based medicine, ensuring children receive tools that demonstrably support healthy development rather than merely maximizing screen time.
Read the full article on GMJ Newsroom.
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