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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