Majority of public schools lack AI policies ‘needed to ensure that it is used responsibly,’ report finds

Most public schools have failed to establish an official student policy regarding artificial intelligence (AI), leaving them “vulnerable to the risks of AI misuse,” a recent analysis warns.

“While AI use is rapidly expanding in classrooms, most schools lack the policies and guidance needed to ensure that it is used responsibly,” write Claire Kelley and Samantha Holquist for the Child Trends research organization.

“Just 31 percent of public schools have a written policy governing students’ use of AI in school. … While 18 percent of schools say they are planning to develop a policy, another 30 percent report having no plans to create one.”

Information from the analysis came from the U.S. Department of Education through the School Pulse Panel, which surveys public K-12 schools nationwide.

High schools (43%) tended to have AI policies more often than elementary (27%) or middle schools (29%), according to Kelley and Holquist.

The organization encourages schools toward its online resources providing “tailored recommendations to help districts strengthen their AI-related practices.”

‘Winning the AI race is non-negotiable’

Both celebrants and critics of AI emphasize the importance of widespread education and awareness in this growing field.

“Winning the AI Race is non-negotiable,” said Secretary of State and Acting National Security Advisor Marco Rubio when announcing a new national AI action plan in July. “America must continue to be the dominant force in artificial intelligence to promote prosperity and protect our economic and national security.”

Meanwhile, more than 250 CEOs have urged states to mandate AI and computer science courses for high school students.

“In the age of AI, we must prepare our children for the future – to be AI creators, not just consumers,” their letter reads. “A basic foundation in computer science and AI is crucial for helping every student thrive in a technology-driven world. Without it, they risk falling behind.”

One of the letter’s proponents is the Code.org nonprofit. Its president, Cameron Wilson, recommends starting AI education for students even at the kindergarten level.

“I think of it as a K-12 experience for students, where they’re learning scaffolded knowledge about computer science throughout,” he said.

“Using the AI technology itself and learning to use it – that’s helpful and useful. But then there’s actually understanding how it works, and then actually using the AI to build and create and solve problems.”

However, an increasing number of organizations are warning of the dangers AI poses to children in a “National Declaration on AI and Kids’ Safety.”

“We, the undersigned, call urgently on policymakers, tech companies, and communities to join us in championing a safer, responsible, and ethical digital future for our children,” the declaration reads. “Our kids deserve technology that enriches their lives, protects their innocence, and empowers their potential – not technology that exploits or endangers them.”

Such dangers include chatbots using adult content and suicide-themed discussions, along with the potential for privacy violations.

“Companies should collect only essential data required for safe AI operation,” the letter argues. “Children’s data must never be monetized, sold, or used without full and clear disclosure and parental consent in support of that usage.”