Dana Suskind Recommended Low-Tech Childhood for Success
The pediatric researcher says human-centric skills are key to thriving in an era of artificial intelligence.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Parenting
Live Poll
Do you believe a low-tech childhood better prepares children for a high-tech future?
Pediatric otolaryngologist Dana Suskind has argued that parents should prioritize low-tech play to foster skills that distinguish children from AI. She suggests that human connection and creativity will be essential for future career success.
Why it matters
As artificial intelligence increasingly automates academic tasks, future job security will likely depend on uniquely human traits like critical thinking and resilience. Developing these capabilities early ensures children remain competitive in a changing labor market.
Dana Suskind identifies connection, critical thinking, curiosity, creativity, and resilience as the five core human skills for future success. Research emphasizes that these traits are cultivated through analog engagement rather than screen-based activities.
The players
Dana Suskind
She is a pediatric otolaryngologist and researcher who authored the book Human Raised: Nurturing Connection, Curiosity and Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI.
The details
At the Fast Company Innovation Festival, Suskind recommended that parents provide children with simple, analog items like cardboard boxes to stimulate natural creativity. She further advised that parents can cultivate critical thinking by encouraging children to investigate their own questions independently.
Timeline
Dana Suskind spoke at the Innovation Festival on September 16, 2026.
Culture Shift
This advice marks a departure from technology-heavy education trends, aligning with a broader movement to prioritize human-centric development in the face of widespread automation. It reflects a growing societal realization that traditional academic markers may become less relevant as artificial intelligence performs more routine tasks.
Parents can incorporate these findings by intentionally limiting screen time in favor of open-ended, analog play to build resilience and problem-solving abilities. These habits can be integrated into daily home routines to better prepare children for the future job landscape.
The takeaway
Future-proofing a child requires shifting focus from screen-based educational tools to building deep, intrinsic human curiosity. Parents are encouraged to prioritize real-world experiences that challenge a child to think critically without digital assistance.
Further reading
For more strategies on child development, visit the Parenting section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CNBC.
Live Poll
Do you believe a low-tech childhood better prepares children for a high-tech future?
