
AI is already doing your teen’s homework: Here’s how parents can guide them
More teenagers are turning to AI to help with their homework, but are they using it effectively? A recent survey of over 1,000 students by Save My Exams found that 75% of students are using AI to do their homework.
This is a significant increase compared to a study by the Pew Research Centre in the US in 2024, which found that 26% of students use ChatGPT for their school work.
However, a third of students in Save My Exams’ survey said they don’t fact-check the information that AI tools generate. This suggests they aren’t always thinking critically about the information these tools provide.
As exam season approaches, parents will be looking to support their children with homework and revision.
Teens are already using AI to help with their homework, and that is unlikely to change in the near future. So what can parents do to support their children to use AI effectively and responsibly?
James Woodhouse, Computer Science teacher and expert at Save My Exams, offers some advice for parents.
1. Educate children about the limitations of AI
“Although tools like ChatGPT are advancing rapidly, they often make mistakes. Therefore, it’s important that parents encourage their children to think carefully about the responses they provide.
“If your child is using AI for their homework, ask them: Have you checked that the information is accurate? What sources are you using to get this information?
“By doing so, you encourage them to consider whether the information is trustworthy.
“Instead of letting AI do their homework for them, have it provide a structure for their homework, along with a checklist of what to include.
“This encourages them to become independent learners and thinkers.
2. Refer to your school’s AI policy
“Many schools now have AI policies in place.
“Parents can’t be expected to be experts on AI and how this affects their child’s learning. By referring to your school’s AI policy, you can feel more confident that you’re sending a consistent message to your children.
“If your school doesn’t have an AI policy, encourage them to create one to benefit other parents.
“In our survey, 70% of parents said that an AI policy would make them more willing to help their children to use AI.
3. Model best practice
“As well as warning your children about the limitations of AI, it’s also important to show them how it can aid their learning.
“There are lots of great use cases for AI. For example, you could use it to create a quiz, generate a creative writing prompt, or simplify a complex concept.
“There are so many opportunities to use AI in a way that embeds what they’re learning in school effectively.
4. Work on prompts together
“AI responses are only as good as the prompts you give them.
“One way to help children to use AI effectively is to sit down with them to work on some prompts together.
“By collaborating with them, and working together to tweak the prompts, you can help them to get a better outcome.
5. Have candid discussions about AI
“AI is a highly controversial topic, and it’s important that children hear different perspectives.
“Our survey revealed that there are generational differences between students and parents when it comes to AI.
“Two thirds of students don’t consider using AI to be cheating, but over half of parents disagree.
“Discussing how your children feel about AI, and comparing and contrasting this with your own attitudes, is a great way for them to consider different perspectives.
“There’s no right or wrong way to use AI, but candid discussions are one of the best ways to get students to think critically about these tools in a safe environment.”
For more useful tips for students, read our guide to using AI and ChatGPT for revision.
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By Penny McCarthy
Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.
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