Teens Are Embracing AI — But Largely Not For Cheating, Survey Finds

10-Apr-2025

The rise of artificial intelligence has brought both excitement and unease to the world of education. From chatbots and smart tutoring systems to AI-powered research tools, the potential is vast—but so are the concerns. Are students relying on AI to cut corners? Are parents and teachers being left behind in this tech revolution?

A new study backed by the National Science Foundation is helping answer these questions—and the results might surprise you.

AI Is Popular, But It's Not Just About Cheating

Contrary to the common fear that teens are using AI tools to cheat, the majority are actually engaging with these technologies in more thoughtful and productive ways. In fact, only 40% of teens reported using AI for classwork. The real story? Teens are mostly exploring AI at home, with 72% using it for entertainment and 63% using it to assist with homework.

What’s more encouraging is that teens appear to be thinking critically about AI's role in their lives. According to survey lead Randi Williams Hayes, young people are wrestling with the ethical and moral implications of using AI. Many teens are actively discussing the tools with their peers, teachers, and even parents, signalling a strong desire for transparency and guidance rather than secrecy or misuse.

A Digital Divide That’s Shrinking

One of the most promising findings of the study is that AI exposure isn’t limited to the most privileged communities. The survey suggests that students from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds are accessing and experimenting with AI tools. This marks a significant shift in how educational technologies are typically distributed—and could open up more equitable opportunities for learning in the future.

Parents Are Catching Up

Interestingly, there seems to be a disconnect between teen and parent awareness. While teens are clearly experimenting with AI tools at home, less than a quarter of parents believe their families are using AI at all. This gap highlights a need for more open conversations at home about how these tools are being used and what role they should play in a child's development.

Hayes recommends that parents and teens learn and adapt together, navigating this new AI landscape side-by-side.

AI’s Potential in Education

When used responsibly, AI can help personalise learning experiences to suit individual students’ needs and interests—something Hayes believes is crucial for improving educational outcomes. However, she also warns of AI’s ability to present inaccurate information with great confidence. For this reason, building critical thinking skills among students is more important than ever.

Our View at YUNESG

At YUNESG, we believe in the positive potential of AI—not just for students, but for teachers as well. When used ethically and strategically, AI can speed up lesson planning, help with grading, and free up valuable time for educators to focus on what they do best: teaching.

We view AI as a tool to empower learning, encourage curiosity, and support all members of the educational community. As teens continue to explore these technologies, let’s ensure they’re equipped with the guidance, skills, and resources they need to thrive.