AI news ·
Common Sense Media report finds nearly 9 in 10 kids use AI, raising concerns over educational and emotional dependencies
92% of 16- to 17-year-olds use generative AI, raising academic dependency risks. Schools must act, as 42% of daily users say a month without it would be difficult.
Nearly 9 in 10 children and teenagers are using generative AI tools, with usage rates reaching 92 percent among 16- to 17-year-olds, according to a new report from Common Sense Media. This widespread adoption highlights an urgent need for educators to address emerging academic and emotional dependencies before they become entrenched in the classroom.
Widespread adoption in and out of school
The survey of over 1,200 kids ages 9 to 17 reveals how deeply artificial intelligence has integrated into daily routines. Eighty-six percent of respondents have used tools like ChatGPT or Google's Gemini, and nearly a quarter use them every day. While 89 percent use AI primarily for entertainment, more than eight in 10 also rely on it for schoolwork. Older teens show the highest reliance, with 94 percent using AI to assist with academic tasks.
Signs of academic and emotional dependency
Common Sense Media CEO Jim Steyer warned that this integration outpaces current safety measures. "AI's takeover of childhood has happened in just three years, about twice as fast as social media took to take hold," Steyer said.
The data shows tangible signs of academic dependency. Among daily AI users, 42 percent said it would be difficult to go without the technology for a month. Furthermore, 16 percent of students who use AI for homework help reported difficulty starting or completing assignments when the tools are unavailable.
For students who already struggle with focus, 56 percent use AI for schoolwork at least once a week, compared to 45 percent of their peers without focus issues. This reliance threatens fundamental learning processes when students let chatbots complete their work.
Gaps in guidance and safety protocols
Despite these high usage rates, institutional support remains sparse. Only about half of the surveyed students have received guidance from a school or teacher on how to evaluate AI-generated information for accuracy. Furthermore, 44 percent of kids have not discussed AI safety with their parents.
Steyer emphasized the educational risks, noting that learning requires students to do the work rather than letting a chatbot generate answers. The organization plans to provide resources to help schools manage these challenges, and educators can find relevant strategies by exploring an AI Learning Path for Teachers designed to build classroom readiness.
Why this matters for educators
Teachers and administrators must proactively address AI usage rather than treating it as a peripheral issue. With over a third of teens discussing personal problems with chatbots and nearly half seeking advice on their future, AI is functioning as an unregulated counselor and tutor. Schools need clear, practical frameworks for digital literacy. Implementing structured guidance on AI for Education will help districts establish policies that protect student well-being while teaching responsible technology use.