Issue 9
Viewpoint
child safety · United States
Florida attorney general seeks emergency court order to bar minors from ChatGPT and restrict OpenAI
Florida's attorney general is asking a court to bar minors from ChatGPT and to restrict OpenAI and its chief executive, Sam Altman, while the child-harm lawsuit proceeds. The filing, submitted on Monday, seeks an injunction covering six categories of conduct and, according to Reuters, would also affect the development of new models.
Who is affected and how
- student
- If the court grants the request, minors could lose access to ChatGPT and would need to find another tool for homework.
- parent
- Parents may want to check which of their children use ChatGPT and what to expect if the service introduces age verification.
- education policymaker
- The case could set a precedent for court-ordered limits on minors' access to generative AI, so its outcome is worth following.
- edtech company
- Products for minors that are built on ChatGPT should factor in access and compliance risk.
research · United States
Harvard experiment: AI physics tutor taught more than in-class active learning
In a randomized Harvard study, students learning physics with a custom AI tutor reportedly learned more than twice as much as those in classroom instruction, in 49 minutes. Several international and…
university studentA well-designed, subject-specific AI tutor can measurably improve learning efficiency, compared with a general-purpose chatbot.teacherThe experiment compared the AI tutor with in-class active learning, so teachers may want to look at where it could supplement practice in their own subject.education policymakerThe result supports backing pilots of subject-specific AI tutors, though a single experiment cannot be generalized.edtech companyThe result argues for purpose-built tutor bots tied to course material over general-purpose chatbots.AI companion · globalMore children turn to AI for companionship, and research suggests it may leave them lonelier
A North Carolina university study found that up to a fifth of US middle schoolers use an AI chatbot as an emotional companion. Vox reports this makes children lonelier, while South Africa's News24…
parentAsk your child whether they use a chatbot as a conversation partner and what they ask of it.teacherAlongside school-based psychological warning signs, watch for students choosing a chatbot over social relationships.school leaderSchool welfare and psychology protocols should be updated to cover the issue of AI companions.studentAn AI companion is no substitute for real relationships, and the articles say it may increase loneliness.survey · United StatesReports link falling test scores to Google's school AI push and teens' AI use
Reports say 70% of teenagers use AI for schoolwork while test scores decline, and that even students consider Google's push of AI into schools to have gone too far. In a survey described in Hungarian…
studentThe articles say dependence slows thinking, so it is worth solving the harder part of an assignment yourself.teacherDesign assignments so that AI does not take over the thinking.parentAsk your children what schoolwork they use chatbots for.education policymakerCausation is not proven, but given the pattern it is worth measuring the relationship between AI use and performance.regulation · European UnionEU Kids Act would target addictive apps to protect children
The European Commission has proposed a single EU set of rules on how children may use social media and video platforms. The proposal targets addictive apps.
parentThe EU rules could bring limits on children's use of social media and video platforms.education policymakerThe EU framework may also affect national child-protection and education rules.edtech companyPlatforms that reach children need to prepare for the EU requirements.Hungary
regulationAI, homework, phones: major change could come to Hungarian schoolsteacherChanges to homework and phone use, together with AI rules, could affect day-to-day work.studentStudents can expect new rules on homework, AI and phones.parentParents should ask the school for the new rules.school leaderSchool leaders should prepare in advance for changes to house rules and AI-use policies.school practiceHungarian teachers test AI: tasks finished faster, but no tool was flawlessteacherAI can save time, but its output must always be checked.school leaderIntroducing AI for teachers should include error checking and training.caseJudit Lannert: AI should support learning, not replace itteacherAI is best used in tasks that support learning rather than replace it.education policymakerThe expert position favours AI rules that support learning rather than replace it.regulationNew AI manifesto for the human future of education, backed by the education ministerteacherThe manifesto's guidelines may offer a reference point for teachers' professional use of AI.education policymakerThe minister's support signals openness in education policy.surveyHalf of Hungarian teenagers use AI to do their homework, survey findsteacherWhen grading homework, teachers should assume that half of students use AI.parentIt is worth discussing with children how they use AI for homework.studentHalf of their peers use AI, but for the teacher what counts is the student's own knowledge.regulationHungary prepares an AI strategy for education, with Edutus University joining ineducation policymakerIt is worth contributing expert views to the education AI strategy now being drafted.school leaderThe strategy's directions may also shape local AI adoption.edtech companyThe strategy process may create partnership and supplier opportunities.school practiceSemmelweis University faculty rules treat use of AI content without attribution as plagiarismuniversity studentUsing AI-generated text without citing the source may count as plagiarism.teacherThe rule gives a reference point for assessing student papers.school leaderThe faculty regulation could serve as a model for other institutions' rules on AI plagiarism.surveyAround three-quarters of teachers in Serbia, Croatia, Czechia and Greece say students copy using digital toolsteacherDesigning assignments that resist copying and checking originality are becoming more important.education policymakerThe digital divide is creating inequalities in access to AI as well.school practiceMonthly AI club and themed AI programmes at university-maintained schoolsteacherThe monthly AI club offers a regular form of professional development.school leaderThe progressive themed AI programmes may offer a model for adoption at institutional level.studentClasses can take part in themed AI programmes.toolGábor Dénes University launches new free AI courseuniversity studentThe free AI course offers a chance to broaden AI knowledge.teacherThe course may also count among the further-training options for teachers.toolOne Digitális Lépéselőny call funds AI projects at educational institutionsschool leaderInstitutions can apply for funding for their AI projects.teacherThe call may provide funding for launching school AI projects.school practiceInnovative Training Support Centre: how can student performance be assessed credibly in the age of AI?teacherIt can offer professional guidance for rethinking assessment.school leaderThe material is worth following when reshaping assessment practices.caseBrain researcher would ban smartphones until age 16, says AI use may cause changes in the brainparentIt is worth setting a deliberate family rule on children's screen and AI use.education policymakerThe researcher's position may add a new argument to the debate on a smartphone ban.caseHungarian mathematicians answer an Erdős question using AI only as a tooluniversity studentThe example shows that AI can be used as an aid in research work.teacherStudents' use of AI in research can be presented as an example of responsible tool use.toolFree storybook aims to bring engineering closer to children interested in AI and production linesparentThe free storybook can be used to spark a child's interest in technology.teacherIt can serve as supplementary material for STEM awareness-raising in the lower primary grades.school practiceTeachers from Csongrád's Sághy school study AI in education in IrelandteacherInternational exchange of experience can offer ideas for introducing AI at home.school leaderIt shows teacher mobility as a route for adopting good practices from abroad.toolÓbuda University launches practical AI Act trainingedtech companyPractical knowledge of the AI Act can be useful for compliance.school leaderKnowledge of EU regulations is increasingly important for institutional AI use.
More key stories of the week
tool · United States
Dartmouth authorizes Pangram AI detector as doubts over false positives persist
Dartmouth's dean of faculty has authorized professors to use the AI detector Pangram to review student work. Meanwhile, Stanford research is circulating again, finding that the detectors it tested…
university studentAn AI suspicion can be wrong, so keep your drafts and traces of your writing process.teacherA detector flag is not proof, especially for non-native writers; back it up with other evidence.school leaderRules on detector use need an appeals and evidence procedure.edtech companyTransparent reporting of false-positive rates can be a competitive advantage.survey · United StatesReport: AI suspicions are eroding trust between students and teachers
A new report examines how AI is affecting trust between students and teachers. Another article says suspicion over AI use is also undermining student-teacher relationships.
teacherClarify AI rules before assessments, because mere suspicion can damage the relationship.studentAgree on AI use with the teacher in advance, so that your work does not come under suspicion.school leaderConsistent, well-communicated AI rules can reduce trust conflicts in schools.tool · globalGoogle's Gemini study tools extend to younger students and Workspace for Education
Google has opened Gemini's study tools to younger students, and the Gemini student hub has become available to Workspace for Education users. One analysis says that from 10 August the Gemini tab in…
school leaderDecide whether to keep, restrict or replace Gemini, as it may be present in Classroom by default.teacherCheck what students can access in Classroom and adjust assignments accordingly.parentAI may already be available in your children's school accounts; ask the school.edtech companyGoogle's built-in tools narrow the market for standalone AI learning tools.survey · United StatesUS schools experiment with AI with little evidence or policy to guide them
Several US reports say schools' AI experiments are running ahead of research evidence and regulation. A national district-level report also found gaps in AI guidance, practice and support for…
school leaderLaunch AI adoption with measurable goals and evaluation, because little external evidence is available.teacherTeachers need training and rules, because in many places experiments run without institutional guidance.education policymakerWith research evidence and regulation lacking, tracking pilots is important.regulation · United StatesPennsylvania House passes bill requiring parental consent for children's use of AI companions
The Pennsylvania House voted 133–70 to pass a bill that would require parental consent for minors to use AI companions. Thirty Republicans also voted for the bill; the House is separately considering…
parentIf the bill becomes law, parental consent will be needed for a child to use an AI companion, so it is worth reviewing the apps your child uses now.edtech companyChatbots accessible to minors will need a parental-consent process, though critics complain the measure is invasive.education policymakerThe bipartisan vote suggests that regulating AI companions is a politically viable path at state level.researchAustralian research: AI now performs much better in law school exams
Researchers tested AI on real Australian law exams three years ago, when it performed poorly. According to an article in The Conversation, they have now re-examined the question and write about how…
teacherTry exam tasks with AI and redesign assessment where necessary.education policymakerThe value of traditional take-home or open-book exam formats needs to be reconsidered.university studentExams may change, as AI performance is getting closer to human level.regulation · United StatesBipartisan US bill would protect children from human-like chatbots
Rep. Miller-Meeks has introduced bipartisan legislation to protect children from human-like chatbots. The available excerpt gives no further detail on the text.
parentThe bill promises federal-level protection against human-like chatbots, so it is worth following its text.edtech companyProducts for children that communicate in a human-like way may face federal restrictions.education policymakerA federal framework may emerge alongside state rules on children's chatbot use.toolAnthropic brings Claude lesson planning to 68,000 teachers in Ghana
Anthropic is rolling out a Claude-based lesson-planning tool to 68,000 teachers in Ghana. ETIH EdTech News reported the announcement.
teacherAn AI assistant available to Ghanaian teachers could reduce the time they spend on lesson planning.education policymakerThe programme is one example of large-scale AI support for teachers.edtech companyMajor AI companies are targeting teachers directly through government programmes.child safety · United StatesDeepfakes at schools overwhelmingly target girls and women, Cybernews reports
According to Cybernews, the victims of school deepfakes are overwhelmingly girls and women. An Oregon school district is separately dealing with AI-generated social media posts targeting students and…
school leaderSchools need a set procedure for deepfake incidents, from reporting to support.teacherTeachers need to recognise the signs and know whom an affected student can turn to.studentA student who creates or shares a deepfake can be held responsible, and the target can ask the school for help.parentTalk with your children about how to react to fake images made of them.regulation · United StatesNew York City and Montclair schools restrict AI and technology use
According to the articles, edtech purchases in New York City are on pause as schools wrestle with AI, and the rules of the AI ban are being summarised for parents too. In Montclair, New Jersey…
school leaderCompare the patterns of purchase pauses and usage restrictions with your own rules.teacherCheck which AI tools may be used in class.parentAsk for the school's AI rules and align home use with them.edtech companyPaused purchases may slow sales in large US city districts.regulation · United StatesCalifornia enacts child-safety requirements for companion chatbots
California has enacted a law setting child-safety requirements for companion chatbots. According to a Morgan Lewis analysis, from 1 July 2027 providers that allow children to use their services must…
edtech companyPrepare for the child-safety measures by 1 July 2027 if your product offers companion-chatbot features to minors.parentThe law sets a mandatory level of protection for companion chatbots used by children, which providers can be held to.education policymakerCalifornia's rules could serve as a model for regulating companion chatbots in schools.survey · United StatesInstructure's first higher-education EdTech Top 40 puts dedicated AI tools outside the top 100
Instructure has launched its first EdTech Top 40 list for higher education. It found that dedicated AI tools rank outside the top 100.
university studentAmong the tools students actually use, dedicated AI tools are not the most popular.education policymakerProcurement should be based on actual usage data.edtech companyDedicated AI products still have to establish a presence in higher education.In brief
school practiceHow Mike Morath's agency helped bring an AI tool into Texas public school classroomseducation policymakerA state education agency can play a direct role in bringing an AI tool into schools.school leaderStatewide rollout may affect district-level decisions and procurement.edtech companyWorking with state agencies can open the door to large school systems.regulationChina moves to make AI education compulsory for all students as AI colleges expand rapidlyeducation policymakerChina's compulsory AI education sets a benchmark for national AI skills development plans.teacherRapid expansion may bring teacher shortages and preparation challenges.toolNational teachers union and Microsoft announce AI plan to protect student privacyteacherThe union–company plan may affect data protection practices when teachers use AI.school leaderCheck what data protection commitments the plan contains for Microsoft tools.edtech companySchool AI tools are increasingly expected to come with data protection guarantees.caseTeachers at Euan Blair's firm report 'horrendous stress' after AI used to rate their workteacherAI-based performance monitoring can be a source of stress, so it is worth clarifying what the system measures.school leaderBefore introducing AI in teacher performance evaluation, those affected must be consulted and the measurement made transparent.edtech companyAcceptance of AI systems that monitor teachers depends on involving the professionals.child safetyChatGPT for Teens launches with parental controlsparentIf your teen uses ChatGPT, check and set up the available parental controls.studentA separate, supervisable version of ChatGPT is available for teenagers.teacherBe aware that students can use a protected teen version.school practiceCollege Board redesigns two AP courses as AI prompts new limitsteacherAP teachers will need to build the new curriculum and the AI-use limits into their lesson plans.studentNew limits apply to the use of AI in AP exams and assignments.education policymakerThe College Board's move could set a benchmark for how AI and standardized assessment are handled.regulationFederal officials target school internet subsidies amid ed-tech backlash, even as Trump touts AIeducation policymakerChanges to school internet subsidies could affect ed-tech and device funding.school leaderSchools should plan for changes in device and network funding that depends on the subsidies.edtech companyEd-tech backlash and shifting federal funding pose a risk to sales to schools.researchUniversity of Cincinnati study: why do children trust AI toys?parentIt is worth explaining to children that an AI robot's answer may not be true.teacherYounger children need to be taught explicitly how to treat AI claims critically.regulationParents ask for a say in AI oversight in schools before high-risk rules take effect in 2027parentThe demand for parental involvement ahead of the rules points to the importance of parent representation.school leaderBefore the 2027 deadline, it is worth setting up ways to consult parents.education policymakerThe parents' oversight role needs to be decided before the high-risk system rules apply.researchWharton PNAS study: ChatGPT and high school math learningteacherThe study may provide evidence for judging AI use in maths lessons.studentThe research concerns the effect of ChatGPT on learning maths.education policymakerThe PNAS study expands the evidence base for high school AI policy.toolIndian AI edtech startups raise funding: LumenEd $5 million, Arivihan $10 millionedtech companyThe investments show that capital is flowing into the Indian AI edtech market, especially toward smaller cities.studentStudents in smaller Indian cities may get access to AI-based education services at an affordable price.child safetyColorado mother warns of AI chatbot risks to teenagersparentTeens' chatbot use should be monitored and discussed with them.education policymakerExperience from social media regulation can be applied to AI regulation.regulationBrandeis clarifies generative AI rules as Alaska regents weigh policy amid student misuseuniversity studentAI-use rules may differ by course, so it is worth clarifying them in advance.teacherPressure is growing for clear course-level AI rules.school leaderInstitutional policy needs to cover how misuse is handled.regulationSouth Korea to overhaul TOPIK with AI, home testing and tougher cheating penaltiesstudentThose preparing for the Korean-language test should watch for the new exam format and stricter rules.education policymakerA major international language test offers an example of aligning home testing with AI-based anti-cheating rules.toolStudents can get free ChatGPT Plus months until 31 October 2026university studentCheck the offer's terms on the official site, and factor in the cost once it expires.edtech companyStudent discounts from major providers signal competition for the student market.regulationUNESCO: education should remain a common good in the age of AI, and educational AI should start from a problemeducation policymakerAccording to UNESCO guidance, educational AI should be designed starting from a specific problem.teacherTeacher AI competency frameworks can serve as a starting point for planning training and continuing professional development.regulationDubai's KHDA to set clear direction on AI and technology use in schoolsschool leaderSchools should align their AI rules with the guidance expected in Dubai.education policymakerRegulatory action in a large international school market could offer a model for other systems.researchRAND: Q&A with researcher Melissa Kay Diliberti on schools, cell phones and AIschool leaderResearch is available to help align phone and AI rules.teacherThe RAND material can offer guidance for setting rules on device use in the classroom.researchNortheastern study links AI chatbots to psychological harmparentParents should watch for mental health risks of chatbot use in their children.school leaderStudent welfare services also need to address the risks of AI chatbots.researchJAMA Pediatrics: what parents need to know about AI as a new kind of listenerparentThe article offers parental guidance on children's conversations with AI.school practiceShould teachers use AI for grading? A guide for grades 6–12teacherWith AI-assisted grading, teachers must retain responsibility and use criteria agreed in advance.school leaderUsing AI for grading requires shared ground rules.school practiceNvidia pauses AI ambassador program a year into Oregon education dealeducation policymakerDelivery of company–state AI education partnerships is not guaranteed.edtech companyDelivering corporate AI education programs can be risky.toolSanoma Learning launches Sanna, an AI teacher assistant to reduce teachers' workloadteacherThe AI teacher assistant promises to cut administrative and planning burdens.edtech companyMajor textbook publishers are also rolling out AI assistants.toolGlobe brings Khan Academy AI learning to more Filipinos through GoLEARNstudentAI-based Khan Academy content may be more accessible to Globe subscribers.edtech companyA telecom–edtech partnership can serve as a distribution model.surveyMoroccan students embrace AI as reading skills declineteacherAI use and declining reading skills are occurring together, so reading needs to be practised separately.education policymakerDeclining reading skills also bear on AI policy.regulationSouth Korean government plans to replace school textbooks with AI tabletseducation policymakerA country's plan to move from paper textbooks to AI tablets is worth following as an example, but the details are unknown.edtech companyA shift in the textbook market could open new supply opportunities for companies offering AI content.surveyReport: AI is already in schools, but education is not ready for itteacherAccording to the survey, some students consider it conceivable that AI could also replace teachers.education policymakerThe report draws attention to the education system's lack of preparedness.regulationIrish higher education minister pushes for €300m AI upskilling fund in budget talkseducation policymakerThe Irish example points to large-scale public funding for AI upskilling.university studentHigher education may receive more funding for AI skills development.toolGates Foundation pledges $1bn for equitable AI tools, including for schoolseducation policymakerLarge foundation funding may expand resources for school AI pilots.edtech companyFunding may become available for AI tools aimed at equal access.surveyHow Canadian teens are using AIparentTeens' AI use habits can be compared internationally.teacherThe Canadian example gives context for understanding teenagers' use of AI.toolOpenAI expands Academy with role-based AI courses for teachers, students and developersteacherRole-specific training is available on the OpenAI Academy.university studentThe courses aimed at students can be used to build AI skills.