A child stuck on a maths problem asks ChatGPT to explain fractions, another uses it to write opening lines of a school essay, and a teenager requests a quick summary of a history chapter, as artificial intelligence has become a study companion for millions of children. Experts say generative AI is neither inherently good nor bad; its value depends on how it is used. In the right hands, it can encourage curiosity and make education more accessible, but used carelessly, it can weaken critical thinking, foster overdependence and blur the line between learning and getting answers. Unlike a tutor, ChatGPT is available 24 hours a day and does not become impatient if a child asks the same question repeatedly. Education specialists say this can be valuable for children who hesitate to ask questions in a classroom. AI can adapt responses to suit different learning styles, but experts stress that convenience should never replace effort, as learning is about developing the ability to think, question, analyse and solve problems independently.