Students are not receiving AI guidance and literacy instruction needed to responsibly use the tools, according to two national surveys cited in an Education Week article.
Four key takeaways from the surveys by Britebound (October and November 2025) and Common Sense Media (April and May 2026):
1. Guidelines are lacking
The lack of clarity about districts’ AI-use policies nationwide has consequences: teens are uncertain about how to use AI for schoolwork; many educators have yet to experiment with AI; and teachers are confused about how to handle student misuse of AI tools
2. Literacy instruction is needed
Many teens do not receive the instruction needed to use AI responsibly, with conversations with teachers about AI literacy often lacking. Rules about when teens should and should not use AI for schoolwork is the most common AI topic discussed with teachers.
It should be noted that EdWeek Research Center findings from December 2025 and January 2026 presented a different picture: nearly 8 in 10 educators said high school students in their district are receiving lessons on what AI is and how to use it responsibly.
3. AI most often used to solve homework problems
Seeking answers to homework problems is the most common way students use AI. When stuck on schoolwork, before turning to AI teens solve problems on their own or ask a teacher, parent, or friend for help.
Teens also use AI to brainstorm, check their own answers, create flashcards, or get feedback on work they have already written or solved — indirect answers and learning support.
4. Teens are uncertain how AI will shape the future
Most teens believe AI may create new jobs, make jobs easier, and allow people to spend more time with family and hobbies. But many believe AI also may lead to people losing their jobs and make it more difficult to find jobs.
A competency gap threatens career planning: 63% of teens say they have a strong understanding of AI and how it is used, but less than half report having the AI skills needed for future careers; even fewer agree that their school is teaching them enough about AI, according to Britebound’s survey.
Knowing how to use AI tools effectively isn’t one of the top skills teens think will matter most for their future, according to Common Sense Media’s survey. Working well with other people, fact-checking and critical-thinking skills, and reading and understanding complex information were the top three answers.
Education Week
