Artificial intelligence is a big part of high school life now. Some teachers believe AI can be a useful tool when students use it the right way, but there are also concerns about how students use AI. Teachers are even using AI to help manage time so they have more of it to spend with students. Many educators wonder if it is helpful or harmful for students, and if there is any way to control it.
AI can help teachers and students with small tasks and give everyone more time to work and learn. AI can also help by giving practice questions, feedback, and ideas when they need them. But there are also concerns about AI usage. According to theconversation.com, “in 2023, 13% of teens said they used ChatGPT to complete their schoolwork. 86% of K-12 students shared in 2025 that they have used AI in general. An estimated 50% of students reported that they use it for schoolwork, such as for learning more about topics outside of what was taught in class, tutoring on specific subjects, receiving help with a homework assignment or asking for college advice.” That is a huge jump in numbers. AI seems like a helpful and useful tool, but some teens use AI to do their work without learning the material, they use it to avoid doing their own thinking. Because of this, schools need clear rules so students understand how to use AI responsibly.
In the end, it is not an easy answer. AI can be helpful or harmful depending on how students choose to use it; according to sparkadmissions.com, “when used correctly, AI tools can enhance learning rather than replace it.” Without limits, though, AI can weaken thinking and create problems with learning. It isn’t going away, so everyone in the school community needs to work together to make sure AI helps students learn instead of stops them from thinking.