A new report by the Brookings Institution warns that the risks of using generative artificial intelligence in education currently outweigh the benefits for children and teens.
The comprehensive study, released January 13, 2026, involved focus groups and interviews with K-12 students, parents, educators, and technology specialists across 50 countries, along with a review of hundreds of research articles.
The findings reveal that AI use in schools can "undermine children's foundational development" and that the damages already caused are "daunting," though "fixable".
Threats to Learning and Critical Thinking
One of the most serious concerns identified in the report is the threat AI poses to students' cognitive development, according to NPR.
Researchers found that when students rely on generative AI to provide answers, they are not thinking independently or learning to distinguish fact from fiction. The report describes a cycle of AI dependence where students increasingly offload their thinking to technology, potentially leading to cognitive decline.
Evidence shows students using generative AI are experiencing drops in knowledge retention, critical thinking, and creativity. Young learners lacking foundational knowledge remain especially vulnerable to accepting AI-generated misinformation as fact.
The study also highlights significant risks to student privacy and safety. Many AI tools collect student data for training purposes, with some companies retaining information for extended periods. Privacy protections are particularly weak for children, with most AI developers not taking adequate steps to remove minors' input from their data collection processes, Stanford University reported.
Academic integrity emerged as another major concern. The report notes that AI threatens to erode trust in education, with teachers increasingly unable to verify the authenticity of student work. Students can easily use AI to complete assignments without genuine learning, undermining the educational process.
Moving Forward With Safeguards and Regulation
Social and emotional development is also at risk. The report found that AI chatbots, designed to be agreeable, may prevent children from developing crucial skills like empathy and resilience that come from navigating disagreement and misunderstanding.
A recent survey found that nearly 20 percent of high school students reported having a romantic relationship with AI.
The report presents 12 recommendations organized around three pillars: Prosper, Prepare, and Protect.
Key actions include shifting educational focus away from task completion toward fostering curiosity, designing AI tools that encourage critical thinking rather than simply providing answers, and promoting comprehensive AI literacy for teachers and students.
The researchers also call for government regulation of AI in educational settings to safeguard students' cognitive and emotional health. Despite these warnings, the lack of federal AI regulation in the United States remains a challenge, with responsibility currently fragmented across state and local districts, as per Brookings.
