The Dangers and Benefits of AI for School Students: What Parents and Educators Should Know

AI presents several risks for students. It can enable academic dishonesty by generating essays or solving assignments with little effort, which undermines genuine learning. Additionally, AI systems may produce misinformation or biased content, potentially confusing students who haven’t developed strong critical thinking skills. Privacy is another concern, as many AI tools collect personal data that students might unknowingly share. Finally, overreliance on AI could reduce students’ ability to think independently and creatively, skills essential for long-term success.

To keep students safe and responsible when using AI, it’s important to encourage open conversations about when and how AI tools should be used for schoolwork. Teaching critical thinking skills helps students evaluate AI-generated content carefully and understand its limitations. Setting clear boundaries around AI use—especially for assignments requiring original work—reinforces academic integrity. Additionally, selecting reputable, privacy-conscious AI tools that are approved by educators ensures students’ data and learning experiences are protected.

AI has incredible potential to enhance education but also poses real risks if misused. By understanding these dangers and benefits, parents and educators can help students harness AI responsibly — using it as a helpful tool rather than a shortcut — to support their learning journey.