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In new work from Common Sense Media, many teens acknowledge AI is changing how they think, with schools providing few safeguards.
A new Common Sense Media survey reveals that 70% of teens use AI for schoolwork. While 77% utilize it as a support tool for brainstorming, checking work, and getting feedback, a significant 63% also resort to chatbots for direct answers. Of these, 25% use AI output as-is, 31% rewrite it, and 35% improve it with their own knowledge. Former U.S. Education Secretary John King expressed concern about AI becoming a substitute for genuine learning, urging teachers to adapt by incorporating in-class assignments and oral presentations to ensure students perform the intellectual work themselves.
The survey highlights that teens are aware of AI's cognitive impact, with 38% believing it leads them to develop fewer original ideas and 39% feeling they miss out on learning when using AI for assignments. Darren Lam, a recent high school graduate, observed widespread AI use among his peers for completing homework, acknowledging its potential as a 'cheating tool.' He also pointed out that students' lack of engagement stems from perceiving much of their curriculum as irrelevant, leading them to use AI to bypass learning and finish tasks quickly.
School attempts to block AI tools on devices or networks are largely ineffective. The survey found that 44% of teens have encountered such blocks, yet 59% of these students simply bypass the restrictions by switching to personal devices, which often lack school oversight and support. Darren Lam suggested that limiting access to AI could be counterproductive, as it prevents students from developing effective AI usage skills, which he believes will be critical for future job markets.
When asked about essential future skills, teens emphasized 'human skills that AI can’t or shouldn’t replace.' A majority prioritized 'working well with others' (55%), 'fact-checking and critical thinking' (50%), and 'reading and understanding complex information' (48%). John King, former Education Secretary, acknowledged the difficulty but necessity for educators to help students develop these skills, especially given the ongoing recovery from the COVID pandemic's educational disruptions. He stressed that educators cannot ignore the reality of AI's widespread use by students.
The survey revealed a significant gap in AI literacy education: only 30% of teens reported discussing AI safety with a teacher, and merely 26% talked about evaluating the accuracy and trustworthiness of AI-generated information. Alex Kotran, CEO of the AI Education Project, described this lack of instruction as a major 'alarm bell,' indicating that students are 'flying blind' with AI. He stressed the urgent need for teacher training on AI functionality to enable them to adapt assignments and lessons, ensuring students genuinely demonstrate knowledge rather than offloading cognitive effort to AI.