Most Teenagers Now Use AI for Schoolwork, and Many Go Straight for the Answers

A new survey from Common Sense Media's Youth AI Safety Institute reports that 70 percent of teenagers use artificial intelligence for schoolwork. Of those, 63 percent use it to get answers, a pattern that researchers describe as the more concerning use. Michael Robb, the head of research at Common Sense, said that using AI to obtain answers, even in seemingly harmless ways, can still undermine learning.

The picture is mixed. The survey found that 77 percent of teens who use AI for schoolwork do so for help without taking answers directly, such as brainstorming, seeking feedback, or checking accuracy. Half said they try to solve a problem themselves, or ask a teacher or parent, before turning to AI. One in ten, however, makes AI their first stop when stuck. Two-thirds believe AI helps them understand their work, yet around 40 percent said they feel they are missing out on learning and come up with fewer ideas of their own when AI is available.

Robb said schools are falling short on guidance. More than a third of teens do not understand their school's rules on AI, and 28 percent said the rules vary considerably from teacher to teacher. Data from Playlab Learning Hub showed that 37 states had published some form of AI guidance as of June, with five requiring districts to adopt their own policies.

The survey also points to gaps in critical AI literacy. The following findings stand out:

• 44 percent of teens said a teacher had ever discussed when they should or should not use AI for schoolwork.
• 30 percent had a teacher talk to their class about AI safety.
• Fewer still had been taught how AI produces its answers or how to identify inaccurate information.

Robb said that without clear guidance, students are left to figure it out for themselves, which can lead to choices that harm their learning. Common Sense has released a free AI literacy curriculum for teachers alongside the report.

The original reporting on this survey was carried by KATV.