New Report Shows Students Are Embracing Artificial Intelligence Despite Lack of Parent Awareness and School Guidance

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 18, 2024—Today, Common Sense Media published a new report, "The Dawn of the AI Era: Teens, Parents, and the Adoption of Generative AI at Home and School." The nationally representative study uncovers trends in generative AI use among a diverse range of young people and their parents, including their perceptions of AI's potential, use cases, and associated rules or guidelines at school.

"The findings tell us that young people are quickly understanding the potential of generative AI platforms, perhaps without fully grasping the pitfalls, which underscores the need for adults to talk with teens about AI. We need to better understand their experiences so we can discuss the good and the bad—especially around bias and inaccuracy," said Amanda Lenhart, head of research at Common Sense Media.

Among the findings, three important themes rose to the top:

• A majority of teens use AI tools, especially chatbots and AI-supported search.
  • Seven out of 10 teens have used at least one type of generative AI tool.
  • A majority (56%) of teens report using search engines with AI-generated results such as Google SGE.
  • Black and Latino young people are using image and video generators more than their White peers, for schoolwork and personal purposes.
• Teens are using AI to stave off boredom almost as often as they're using it for homework help.
  • Teens report using generative AI most often for homework help (53%), to stave off boredom (42%), and to translate something from one language to another (41%).
  • Two in five (40%) teens report having used generative AI to help with school assignments, and 46% of them report doing so without the teacher's permission.
  • Teens also use AI for other personal activities, including when creating content as a joke, planning activities, and seeking health advice.
• Most adults in teens' lives—from parents to teachers—are out of the loop.
  • Just 37% of parents whose teen reported using at least one generative AI platform thought their child had used generative AI.
  • Almost half (49%) of parents say they have not talked about generative AI with their child.
  • About six in 10 teens report either that their school has no rules for how generative AI can be used or that they're not sure if there are rules.
  • Importantly, most parents (83%) say that schools have not communicated with families about generative AI.

"This report reinforces the need to increase awareness about how generative AI works and ensure that children don't experience any harm as a result of unfettered access," said James P. Steyer, founder and CEO of Common Sense Media. "We are committed to helping schools establish clear communication policies and opening dialogue among young people, parents, caregivers, and teachers so that together we can empower students to thrive in a digital world."

This report is based on a nationally representative survey of 1,045 general-population U.S. adults (18+) who are parents of a teenager age 13 to 18 and their adolescent child. To download the report, with complete findings and methodology, please visit www.commonsense.org/dawn-of-AI-era.

About Common Sense Media

Common Sense is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive. Our ratings, research, and resources reach approximately 150 million users worldwide and 1.2 million educators per year. Learn more at www.commonsense.org.