AI update for (Christian) educators, January 2026

At the end of each month I look back: what happened that educators, in my view, should know? A brief selection of AI news that touches on family, school and development. Now then, January 2026.

1. Samsung makes AI standard in 800 million phones (5 January)

If you give your child a Samsung, they'll soon get a phone in which AI is no longer a separate app, but simply built in. Think of AI photo editing, translation features, automatic summaries. Via "Galaxy for Families" you can limit app use, but you can't disable these built-in AI features.

→ Relevant because this is a good moment to have the conversation about what is and isn't okay with AI, before the new phone arrives. For example: having homework explained can help, but having it done cannot.

2. OECD report: AI offers opportunities but calls for conscious use (19 January)

The influential education report emphasises that AI can help well with personalised learning, but also warns: too much AI use can reduce critical thinking and creativity. Pupils become more consumers of answers than seekers of knowledge.

→ Relevant because it confirms what many educators already sense. It's not about whether we use AI, but when it helps and when it doesn't. Practically: let AI explain and support, but not take over the thinking work.

3. The Netherlands invests heavily in AI (30 January)

The coalition agreement makes clear that AI is becoming a priority: an AI factory in the northern Netherlands, investments in AI literacy and digital skills. This means AI will arrive faster in schools and society.

→ Relevant because AI is no longer optional. Schools will have to deal with AI policy and applications. Good to have your own family norms clear: how do AI tools fit your values? What do you consider appropriate use?