friendship? Romantic relationship? High school students rely on artificial intelligence in new ways
“This technology is a new vector for sexual harassment and bullying, which are long-standing issues [before widespread use of AI],” Laird said. “This has become a new way to exacerbate the situation. “
Among teachers who use AI for many school-related tasks, 28% said their school had experienced a large-scale data breach, compared with 18% of teachers who did not use AI or used it for only a few tasks, the report said.
Laird, a former data privacy officer for a Washington state education agency, said she believes the more data schools share with AI systems, the greater the risk of data breaches.
“AI systems take in a lot of data, and they also output a lot of information,” she said. “This helps create that connection.”
Teachers with higher levels of school-related AI use were also more likely to report that the AI systems they used in the classroom were not working as expected.
These teachers were also more likely to report that the use of AI undermined community trust in the school. For example, Laird said schools often use AI-powered software to monitor activity on school-issued devices, leading in some cases to false alarms or even student arrests. That’s especially concerning for students who can’t afford personal computers, she said.
“So if you have a personal device and don’t have to use a school-issued device, you can basically afford to keep your documents and messages private,” Laird said.
Risks to student health
Students who attended schools with heavy use of AI were also more likely to say that they or a friend had used AI for mental health support, as a companion, as a means of escapism and for romantic relationships.
When students reported talking to an AI system for personal reasons rather than school assignments, 31% said they used a school-provided device or software.
“I think students should know that they’re not actually talking to people. They’re talking to tools, and those tools have known limitations,” Laird said. “Our research shows that the AI literacy and training students receive is very basic.”
Laird said students and educators often don’t get the training or guidance to help them deal with the more complex challenges associated with technology.
For example, only 11% of teachers surveyed said they had received training on how to respond if they suspected students were using AI to harm their health.
Educators who frequently use AI are more likely to say the technology improves their teaching, saves them time, and provides personalized learning for students—but in schools where AI use is common, students express higher concerns about the technology, including that it makes them feel less connected to their teachers.
“What we’re hearing from students is that while there may be value in this, there are also some negative consequences,” Laird said. “If we’re going to realize the benefits of AI, we really need to pay attention to what students are telling us.”
