AI and Homework: Helping Kids Use Artificial Intelligence Responsibly

School, Technology

September

•

7-9 minutes

AI is quickly becoming part of how our kids learn, study, and complete schoolwork. But as tools like AI become easier to access, parents are facing new questions: Is my child using AI to learn, or using it to avoid learning? Where is the line between helpful and harmful?

AI is here to stay, and our kids need guidance in how to use it well. Rather than avoiding it completely, we can teach them to use AI safely, responsibly, and honestly. The goal is simple: AI should support their thinking, not replace it.

What is AI?

According to the U.S. General Services Administration, AI (Artificial Intelligence) is an emerging technology where machines are programmed to learn, reason, and perform in ways that simulate human intelligence. Many middle and high school aged kids are already using AI in their everyday lives, often without realizing it.

Many students use generative AI (like ChatGPT) for homework help. ChatGPT is the most widely used generative AI tool today. It can answer questions, explain difficult topics, provide insight, summarize information, and assist with writing, among many other things. Because it is programmed to respond conversationally, it often feels like you are talking with a real person.

An important thing to note is AI works differently than a search engine. A search engine, like Google, helps you find websites that contain information. AI on the other hand, generates its own responses by drawing from patterns in the information it has been trained on. While AI can provide quick answers and explanations, it may not always be accurate, so it’s important to verify information using reliable sources.

AI is already integrated into many of the technologies we use every day. Voice assistants like Siri or Alexa, personalized recommendations on Netflix or Spotify, Google Maps navigation, social media feeds and algorithms, email spam filters, and wearable devices like Fitbit or Apple Watch all use AI to make our lives more convenient and personalized.

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a technology of the future; it has become part of daily life. Whether we’re getting directions, tracking our health, streaming our favorite shows, or shopping online, AI is quietly working in the background in many of the tools and apps we use everyday to make our lives more convenient and personalized.

Why Do Kids/Teens Use It?

Now that we know and understand AI is part of our lives and that’s not changing any time soon, we need to be able to teach our kids to use it wisely. AI should never replace their ability to think, reason, problem solve or learn. Instead, it should be viewed as a tool, not something that does work for them.

The Pew Research Center states that AI is used by teens for several reasons such as searching for information, help with homework, fun or entertainment, or to create or edit images and videos. For many students, using AI has become as common as using a search engine. It may be tempting for tweens and teens to rely on it to complete assignments for them. Helping your child understand the difference between using AI to support learning and using it to avoid learning is an important distinction to teach them.

When it comes to homework, encourage your child to use AI to help them learn rather than simply finding answers. For example, instead of asking ChatGPT to answer an assignment question, they could ask it to recommend a reliable website, explain a difficult topic in simpler terms, create practice questions, or quiz them before a test. Using AI this way helps them build knowledge rather than just finishing an assignment. A tool. Not a replacement.

Not every use is dishonest. When used wisely, AI can help students better understand difficult topics, organize their thoughts, prepare for tests, and use it to build confidence as they learn. But like anything else, it comes with risks that every parent should understand.

Risks of AI

According to a survey from RAND’s American Youth Panel, the percentage of middle school, high school, and college students using AI for homework rose from 48% to 62% in 2025. The survey also found that 67% of students believed using AI for schoolwork can hurt critical thinking skills. In addition, many schools are still developing guidelines for when and how AI should be used.

Common Sense Media also highlights several concerns parents should be aware of. First, AI is not always accurate. These tools can sound very confident even when the information they provide is incorrect. Kids may not realize the information is wrong or know to question it, making it important to teach them to fact check AI responses with trusted sources.

There is also the risk of overreliance. If students become too dependent on AI, they will miss opportunities to use their brain to practice problem-solving, analyze information, and develop independent thinking skills.

Academic integrity is another concern. Because many schools are still developing guidelines around AI use, students may not always understand when using AI is acceptable and when it crosses the line into cheating. Parents should encourage their teens to become familiar with their schools’ expectations and use AI in ways that support honest learning.

Finally, parents should be aware of privacy risks. AI brings many of the same privacy concerns we already face online, but it can collect and use larger amounts of personal information. It’s not always clear what information is collected, how it is used, or how it can be removed. AI can be used to gather information about people and their families, which makes scams, identity theft, or fraud easier. Many AI platforms collect user conversations, so students should never share personal information, passwords, or other sensitive details when using these tools.

AI and the Developing Brain

Doctors Tara Salinas and Ed Love explain in Psychology Today that the act of thinking is actually good for us. When we think, learn, and work through problems, we strengthen the connections in our brains. This process, called neuroplasticity, helps our brains continue to grow and develop and can have long-term benefits to our mental and physical health.

Working through challenges also gives us the chance to discover new things, build confidence, and experience the reward of learning. Kids need opportunities to make mistakes, ask questions, solve problems, and figure things out on their own. These experiences help them become stronger, more confident learners.

The important thing to remember: Thinking is really, really good for us. In the age of AI, we want our kids to keep thinking, learning, and challenging their brains as much as possible.

How to Talk to Kids About AI

Set rules around AI and schoolwork. Decide what works best for your family, your values, and your expectations, and make sure your child understands these rules. It’s also important to explain why you have these rules.

For example, you might say, “You can use AI for homework assistance if you need help understanding a problem or finding reliable sources. You cannot use it to find an answer for an assignment or have it write an essay for you. That would be cheating, and cheating does not align with our family’s values and rules.”

Explain the positive effect thinking has on their brain. Following the rules isn’t just about avoiding cheating or getting in trouble at school. It’s about giving them the best chance to grow, develop, and thrive.

Talk to your child about the importance of keeping personal information out of AI tools and other online platforms. Being careful about what they share can help protect their privacy and safety against online scams and other crimes.

Remind your child that critical thinking and communication skills are important for success in the workplace. Good grades and academic achievements are great but can only take them so far. If they rely on AI to do the thinking for them, they may miss important opportunities to develop the skills they will need in their future careers.

Parent Encouragement

As mentioned above, AI is here to stay, so learning to use it as a tool may be beneficial. But we also need to encourage the kids in our lives to keep learning, thinking, and growing. Make it a habit to check in with your child about their AI use and keep the conversation going.

You are your child’s protector and guide. Your role is to teach online safety, help them understand your family’s values, and prepare them to make wise choices. When children understand the risks, know where to draw the line, and are taught how to use this platform with integrity, they can learn to thrive in the age of AI while continuing to grow in school and prepare for their future careers.

Remember, you don’t need to be an AI expert to guide your child. Just stay involved, be willing to have casual, courageous conversations, and stay engaged in the world they are navigating.