China Restricts AI Use for Primary School Homework to Curb Overreliance and Protect Data

China Restricts AI Use for Primary Students’ Homework Without Supervision

China’s Ministry of Education has introduced new rules limiting the independent use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools by primary school students for homework. The ministry emphasizes that AI should act only as a supportive aid in education, not a substitute for student effort.

According to the directive, primary students are forbidden from using AI tools on their own to complete assignments. Middle school students may study the "logical structure" behind AI-generated content, while high school students have more freedom to use AI for academic purposes related to the technology.

Teachers are tasked with ensuring AI tools serve as assistants rather than graders or answer generators. The directive clearly prohibits AI from handling sensitive data. Schools are encouraged to integrate AI in teaching but must strengthen data security measures to protect students’ personal information.

Parents also play a role by supervising their children’s AI use to avoid misuse and overdependence on the technology.

Local Regulations and Governance

The Ministry has urged local authorities to create governance policies suited to their regions. These policies should address data protection, ethical assessments, and maintain approved lists of AI tools appropriate for education. This comes as AI tools like ChatGPT and China’s own DeepSeek become increasingly common in classrooms.

A senior official highlighted AI’s significance as a strategic technology driving technological and industrial transformation. AI has already influenced daily life and is reshaping education reform and development. The official stressed that advancing AI education is necessary to keep pace with global trends, support national growth, and cultivate future talent.

Investment in AI Education Infrastructure and Teacher Training

The ministry plans to invest more in AI education infrastructure and gradually establish AI education bases in primary and secondary schools. It will also offer training programs to help teachers learn how to effectively use AI tools in their teaching.

In a related development, Beijing announced in March that it will introduce AI courses for primary and secondary students starting this fall. Schools will provide at least eight hours of AI instruction annually. These lessons may be standalone or integrated into subjects like information technology.

Additional Developments in AI Education and Research

• AI Tool for Cheating Raises $5.3M: A student suspended from Columbia University for cheating with AI has raised US$5.3 million for Cluely, an AI startup that facilitates cheating on interviews and exams.
• Chinese Universities Expand AI-Related Enrollment: Top universities in China plan to increase undergraduate intake focused on “national strategic needs,” especially in AI and other advanced fields.
• Vietnam-China Cooperation on AI Research: Vietnam National University - Hanoi and Tsinghua University held a workshop to explore higher education challenges and opportunities in the digital intelligence era.
• DeepSeek AI Courses Launch: Chinese universities have begun offering AI courses based on DeepSeek’s technology, which is considered a significant breakthrough.
• New University Programs in Tech and Semiconductors: The Ministry of Education approved 29 new majors focusing on advanced technology, semiconductors, and AI.

These moves illustrate China’s commitment to integrating AI education at all levels and strengthening its position in strategic technology fields.

For educators looking to deepen their knowledge of AI tools and applications, exploring specialized training can be valuable. Platforms like Complete AI Training offer courses designed to help professionals understand AI technologies and their practical uses in education.