When families in San Francisco discovered their son snapping a photo of a math problem to get an instant solution, they realized the rapid spread of artificial intelligence tools among teenagers. A recent Common Sense Media survey confirms that 70% of teens are already using AI for school assignments.
How teens are using AI
The study asked teens how they incorporate AI into their academic lives. More than 77% reported using the technology to receive help without getting a direct answer, while 63% said they have obtained a complete answer to a school task from an AI system. Despite this, 65% said they first try to solve problems on their own or ask a person for help before turning to AI.
Parental concerns and involvement
Parents like Amanda Hyslop, a nurse and writer, say the trend has sparked urgent conversations at home. Hyslop’s son, William Driegert, now a ninth‑grader, initially used AI to find quick answers but has shifted to using it as a study aid that explains concepts and generates practice tests. “I started using it to help me, solve and understand, so I could do better on my math test,” he told TODAY.
Hyslop emphasizes the need for teens to think independently. “I want to make sure they use their own brain,” she said, adding that big questions should be discussed with an adult.
Schools’ role and policy development
While many parents can shape discussions at home, they often have limited influence over school curricula. The survey found that 73% of teens are missing key AI‑literacy conversations with teachers. In response, Hyslop helped draft an AI policy for her son’s school district, aiming to provide guidance on appropriate use.
Jim Steyer, CEO of Common Sense Media, warned that AI is now present in every classroom. “AI should not replace learning. AI should not replace thinking,” he told TODAY correspondent Emile Ikeda.
What parents can do
Steyer’s advice to families is straightforward: stay involved and understand that AI is part of their children’s daily lives. He stresses that parental engagement is essential to ensure technology supports, rather than supplants, education.
As AI tools become more accessible, the conversation about how to integrate them responsibly into schoolwork is likely to continue, with parents, educators, and policymakers all seeking a balance that preserves critical thinking while leveraging new technology.
Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.
