AI in Schools: Report Reveals Risks to Student Well-being

AI in Schools: Report Highlights Risks to Student Well-being

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly integrating into K-12 classrooms, but a new report from the Center for Democracy & Technology warns of significant risks to student well-being. As AI tools become more commonplace, educators and experts are raising concerns about their impact on teacher-student relationships, critical thinking skills, and overall student development.

The report reveals that 85% of teachers and 86% of students used AI tools during the 2024-25 school year. While AI promises to enhance learning, the increased reliance on these technologies is sparking alarm. Half of the students surveyed reported feeling less connected to their teachers when AI is used in the classroom, highlighting a growing disconnect in human interaction.

Erosion of Human Connection

One of the most pressing issues is the weakening of relationships between students and teachers. According to the report, 47% of teachers and 50% of parents expressed concerns about AI reducing peer-to-peer connections. This erosion of human interaction could have long-term effects on students' social skills and emotional well-being.

"AI tools are not a replacement for human connection," said Elizabeth Laird, a researcher at the Center for Democracy & Technology. "We need to ensure that technology augments, rather than replaces, the critical role of teachers in the classroom.">

Critical Thinking at Risk

The report also underscores worries about AI's impact on critical thinking and research skills. A significant 70% of teachers believe that AI is undermining these essential abilities. As AI tools automate tasks like research and problem-solving, students may become overly reliant on technology, hindering their ability to think independently.

"AI should be a tool to support learning, not a crutch," noted Joseph South, an expert from ISTE + ASCD. "Educators must teach students how to use AI effectively while maintaining their ability to think critically.">

Expert Recommendations

To address these challenges, experts recommend that schools develop comprehensive AI training programs and policies. Proper implementation, they argue, can help maximize the benefits of AI while minimizing its risks. For instance, AI can streamline administrative tasks for teachers, freeing up time for more personalized student interaction.

Robbie Torney from Common Sense Media emphasized the need for balance: "AI can amplify existing risks if not managed correctly. Schools must invest in training and resources to ensure that AI enhances learning rather than hindering it.">

AI Use Cases in Schools

The report details how AI is currently being used in classrooms. Teachers are leveraging AI for curriculum development (69%), student engagement (50%), professional development (48%), and grading (45%). However, the report notes that AI features automatically added to educational tools may drive increased use without proper training or oversight.

Students, on the other hand, are turning to AI for tutoring (64%), college and career advice (49%), and even relationship and mental health support (43% and 42%, respectively). This raises questions about the appropriateness of AI in addressing sensitive issues, especially on school-provided devices.

The Path Forward

Despite the concerns, many educators see potential in AI to enhance teaching methods. The report found that 69% of teachers believe AI has improved their teaching, while 59% say it enables personalized learning. However, 71% of teachers find it more difficult to determine if a student's work is original when AI is involved.

"The future of AI in education depends on how well we prepare both teachers and students," concluded South. "With the right training and resources, AI can be a powerful tool for everyone in the classroom.">

As schools continue to adopt AI, addressing these challenges will be crucial to ensuring that technology serves as a beneficial addition rather than a hindrance to education.