Artificial intelligence, quickly becoming an indispensable tool in school, is raising more and more concerns, even among students.
Many argue that technology makes their homework „too easy,” reduces their creativity, and weakens their ability to learn through their own efforts, according to a recent study conducted by the Oxford University Press (OUP) and cited by The Guardian.
The report on the use of AI in schools in the United Kingdom shows that only 2% of students aged 13 to 18 do not use artificial intelligence in their school activities, while 80% use it regularly.
Although the popularity of AI is on the rise, 62% of respondents stated that it has a negative impact on their skills and development at school. One in four students admitted that AI "makes it too easy to find answers without doing the work themselves."
Creativity and original thinking affected
Another 12% of students stated that AI "limits their creative thinking," and a similar percentage said they are less likely to solve problems or write creatively.
Alexandra Tomescu, a specialist in generative artificial intelligence products and machine learning at OUP, explained that the study is among the first to analyze how young people in the UK integrate AI into their education.
"What I find fascinating is how sophisticated the responses are. The fact that 60% of students are concerned that AI tools encourage copying, not original work, demonstrates a deep understanding of the purpose of assignments and the risks of this technology," she said.
Students understand the risks but seek guidance from teachers
According to Alexandra Tomescu, young people who use these technologies "have a mature understanding of what AI does in relation to their schoolwork," contradicting the perception that younger generations use technology superficially.
The OUP's findings complement other empirical studies. A report from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), published in 2025, analyzed the brain activity of students writing essays with the help of large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, and warned that "the results raise questions about the long-term educational implications of dependence on AI."
Classmates "cheat with AI," believe nearly half of students
Almost half of the 2,000 students surveyed stated that they fear that some classmates "secretly use AI" for assignments without teachers realizing it.
Many said they would like more support from teachers regarding the correct use of artificial intelligence and in assessing the reliability of generated results. OUP announced the launch of an educational hub dedicated to AI to support educators.
"The results will be interesting for teachers, especially as they show how much students desire guidance. Although there is often talk of a generation gap, students still look to teachers to learn how to use technology productively - and I consider that a positive sign," Tomescu said.
"AI is a shortcut, not a learning tool"
Daniel Williams, deputy director and AI lead at Bishop Vesey High School in Birmingham, confirmed that these conclusions reflect the reality in schools. "Many students acknowledge the value of AI for creativity, revision, and problem-solving, but often use it as a shortcut, not as a learning tool," Williams said.
Only 31% of students said that using artificial intelligence has not negatively affected any of their abilities. However, the majority admitted that it has also brought them benefits: 18% said it helps them understand problems better, and 15% said it stimulates "new and better ideas."
Asked to elaborate, a 15-year-old student explained: "I have managed to understand math better and it helps me solve difficult questions." A 14-year-old boy simply said: "Now I think faster than before."
G.P.