OpenAI CEO Altman: Would Rather Kids Play with Mud Than Use AI or iPads Early

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who became a father in 2025, has been sharing his parenting insights lately. He voiced deep concern about the 'iPad generation'—kids unable to part with their iPads—and the effects of algorithmic recommendations and infinite scroll. He said he'd rather his child play with mud than use AI or iPads too early.

Altman himself depends heavily on AI: he once used ChatGPT to check if his baby's development was normal. Yet he still advocates delaying kids' AI exposure. He also mentioned that tech leaders like Google's Pichai and Bill Gates limit their kids' device use. On AI safety, he stated fatherhood hasn't changed his top priority of preventing global destruction.

Altman shared his ideal education model: AI-powered personalized one-on-one tutoring followed by project-based learning, though he admitted there could be potential issues.