Opinion: I’m a pediatrician. I want to prescribe the right AI to my patients

A pediatrician is exploring the potential of prescribing artificial intelligence (AI) tools to young patients, viewing them as therapeutic interventions rather than mere distractions. The author, a practicing pediatrician, recounts a recent patient encounter where a child was engrossed in the animated show "Bluey" on an iPad, highlighting the pervasive presence of digital content in children's lives. This observation serves as a springboard for considering how AI, when thoughtfully integrated, could offer structured benefits for pediatric care. The pediatrician envisions AI applications that could assist with tasks such as managing chronic conditions, supporting mental health, or even providing educational content tailored to a child's specific developmental needs. The core idea is to move beyond passive screen time and leverage AI's capabilities for active, beneficial engagement, akin to prescribing a medication or a specific therapy. This approach requires careful curation and evaluation of AI tools to ensure they are safe, effective, and age-appropriate, aligning with pediatric best practices. The author's perspective suggests a future where AI is a recognized component of a comprehensive pediatric treatment plan, working in concert with traditional medical interventions.