Issue 12
Viewpoint
child safety · United States
Eight US states sue OpenAI over alleged ChatGPT risks to children
Eight US states have sued OpenAI, alleging that ChatGPT encouraged self-harm, reinforced delusions, gave dangerous medical advice and helped plan violence. Texas has filed a separate suit alleging that OpenAI and Sam Altman falsely marketed the product as safe; the parties are demanding stronger age verification and parental controls, and a California suit challenges the collection of minors' data.
Who is affected and how
- parent
- Check that parental controls are switched on for your child's ChatGPT account, and talk through the risks of dangerous advice with them.
- education policymaker
- The suits may set a precedent for chatbots' obligations toward minors; take this into account in your own regulatory planning.
- edtech company
- Expect stricter age verification and safeguards for products aimed at minors.
child safety · United States
Teen-safety tests: ChatGPT parent alerts triggered in 5% of simulated cases
A RAND–Harvard preprint says that with parental controls switched on, ChatGPT notified a parent in 15 of 300 simulated teen-risk conversations. Other tests measured 18 chatbots on teen safety, and an…
parentDo not rely on parent alerts as the only protection; also monitor conversations and your child's usage habits separately.school leaderWhen choosing tools approved for teenagers, also take independent safety test results into account.edtech companyFor products aimed at minors, safeguards should also be verified in external, standardised tests.regulation · European UnionProposed EU KIDS Act sets rules on age verification and AI chatbots
A Greenberg Traurig analysis says a proposal has been drawn up for EU rules on online platforms, age verification and AI chatbots. The draft aims to protect children online.
education policymakerCompare the planned age-verification and chatbot requirements with national child-protection rules.edtech companyChatbots on the EU market that children can also access need age verification and a compliance plan.researchAustralian evidence body names 'performance paradox': AI improves task results but reduces learning
Australia's AERO finds that students perform better on a task with AI but learn less in the process. Learning-science guides apply the same principle when weighing when AI should be used in class.
teacherAllow AI at stages where it does not replace the effort of learning.school leaderMeasure implementation guidelines by learning outcomes, not by task completion.school practice · United StatesNew York bans student AI use, Los Angeles pauses it, while other districts leave the decision to teachers
According to a parent newsletter, New York, the largest school district in the US, has introduced a ban covering nearly half a million students. Los Angeles is pausing, while schools around…
teacherCheck which AI tools are permitted in class in your district, because bans differ.school leaderThe differing district approaches (ban, pause, teacher discretion) offer a useful benchmark for your own policy.parentAsk the school which tools are allowed and what the rule is for homework.Hungary
caseKlebelsberg Centre backs Újpetrei primary school targeted by fake news and AI imagesschool leaderSchools should prepare an institutional communication and reporting plan for fake news spread with AI images.teacherTeachers targeted by campaigns spread with AI images can ask their maintainer for support.parentCheck images circulating about the school before passing them on.regulationHungarian education may change, minister says, stressing basic skills in the age of AI and social mediaeducation policymakerThe emphasis on basic skills and lifelong learning is the key theme of the strategy.teacherStronger basic skills are the expected direction.school leaderInstitutional development plans should be aligned with the strategic directions.school practiceHungarian universities' AI rules: ELTE criterion course, MATE plagiarism rule, PTE interviewuniversity studentSubmitting AI-generated content as your own work may count as plagiarism, so read the regulation in advance.teacherInstructors must state clearly what counts as permitted AI use in the course.education policymakerThe criterion course is an example of building mandatory AI knowledge into university programmes.child safetySchool bomb threats aim to cause disruption; AI may make the threat worseschool leaderThe alert and evacuation protocol, and the communication on handling threats, must be updated.teacherBe prepared to act quickly and calmly in the event of a bomb threat.parentUse a verified channel to get information about alerts.school practiceBosch launches nationwide AI education programme in Hungary, including Heves County secondary studentsstudentThe programme offers secondary students AI skills; ask your school about the conditions for taking part.school leaderJoining corporate programmes can be decided at school level.edtech companyCorporate education programmes signal the arrival of new players alongside traditional edtech companies.surveyWhat is a degree worth if AI already knows the answers? Higher education faces major changeuniversity studentA degree's value comes from the judgment and knowledge acquired, not from solving tasks quickly with AI.education policymakerRethinking the higher-education teaching and assessment model is on the agenda.school practiceHungarian forums on AI in education: a student 'trap' panel and a parents' academy in GyőrparentThe Győr parents' academy shows that a local information session for parents can be requested from the school.teacherThe panel discussions debate the risk of students becoming dependent on AI, which is also a consideration for teaching methods.regulationMasaryk University commits to responsible use of AI in educationuniversity studentUniversity frameworks define when and how AI may be used.teacherThe institutional commitment provides guidance for instructors' use of AI.school practiceBudapest German school students earn media and AI literacy certificatesstudentThe project day led by the digital working group awarded a certificate in media and AI literacy.school leaderThe project-day format can be introduced quickly for media literacy training.
More key stories of the week
child safety · United States
Teens can access 'nudify' apps despite Apple and Google parental controls, report finds
The Guardian reports that US teens can access nudify apps despite Apple's and Google's parental controls. A Hungarian-language report on the Tech Transparency investigation has also appeared.
parentBuilt-in parental settings are not enough; check which apps are actually accessible, and talk with your child too.school leaderSchools should prepare a written procedure for deepfake cases.edtech companyGaps in app-store vetting raise questions of platform responsibility.school practice · United StatesUS school districts set AI rules: bans, approved tools and teacher discretion
This week Montclair barred student AI use through grade 8, Albany limited it to approved tools, and Clover is blocking most AI tools on student devices. In Maryland, four districts missed the state…
teacherIn several districts the teacher decides how much AI use is allowed on an assignment; this is worth stating clearly in advance.school leaderThe approved-tool list and meeting deadlines are the key points of a policy.parentIn some districts parents are calling for a pause; it is worth checking the school's policy.education policymakerThe missed Maryland deadline shows that implementation of state rules can lag in the districts.tool · globalGoogle launches free AI tool for teachers; Jisc partnership in UK, 96,000 Gemini licences in Ghana
Google has launched a free AI tool for teachers, entered a two-year partnership with the UK's Jisc, and the University of Ghana has secured 96,000 Gemini licences. For education Workspace…
teacherFree Google tools are available, but institutional data protection terms should be checked first.school leaderWorkspace for Education subscribers can switch on Gemini for Education free of charge.edtech companyGoogle's free package puts pressure on paid educational AI providers.survey · Asia82% of Indian students fear AI speeds up work at the cost of deep learning
According to The Times of India, 82% of the Indian students surveyed fear that AI speeds up their work but at the expense of deep learning.
studentStudents themselves sense the risk of superficial learning, so it is worth choosing deliberately how to use AI.teacherAssignments should be designed so that, beyond speeding up work with AI, they also require deep understanding.research · globalStudy finds AI tutor produced more learning in less time than in-class active learning
A study found that students learned significantly more with an AI tutor in less time than with in-class active learning. According to the cited Scientific Reports article, AI speeds up learning when…
teacherA structured AI tutor can complement classroom work, but controlled research conditions are not the same as everyday use.edtech companyDemonstrating learning gains requires product evidence based on credible measurement.case · AsiaSouth Korean middle schooler who made deepfakes of classmates hospitalised after assault by peers
A South Korean middle school student who made and distributed deepfake videos from photos of female classmates was hospitalised after being assaulted by an acquaintance of a victim. The case…
school leaderSchools must prepare in advance to handle deepfake cases, because vigilante retaliation only makes the situation worse.parentTalk with your child about why other people's images must not be manipulated with AI.case · United StatesMother criticises school over AI-generated photo of her 6-year-old daughter aged 25
After a school AI exercise, Nikki Anderson's six-year-old daughter brought home an AI-generated photo of herself at 25, and her mother criticised the school. A Hungarian-language report also covered…
parentAsk whether the school uses image-generation tools and whether it obtained your consent.teacherParents must be informed and give consent before an AI exercise using children's photos.school leaderA clear rule is needed on AI processing of children's images.school practice · globalTeacherless school says AI can teach students in two hours a day; debate over teacher shortage
A CBS News report describes a teacherless school that teaches students with AI for two hours a day. A Fortune opinion piece argues that every child will get access to AI, but not every child will get…
teacherAI-based models raise questions about the future of the teacher's role.education policymakerAddressing teacher shortages with AI carries a risk of inequality.parentIt is worth asking the school how AI supplements the work of teachers.AI companion · United StatesUS teens turn to AI for dating advice and companionship
Several US reports say teenagers are asking AI for relationship advice and companionship. A 2026 Pew survey found that 64% of US teens have used an AI chatbot.
parentTalk openly with your child about what they use the chatbot for, rather than simply banning it.teacherDigital-skills lessons should treat the emotional risks of chatbots as a separate topic.fraud · AsiaAI glasses and online cheating at South Korean universities: more than 600 students to retake exam
Yonsei University is weighing a criminal complaint against a student caught wearing AI glasses during an essay exam, while more than 600 students at Konkuk University must retake an online exam over…
university studentUsing AI glasses in an exam can lead to sanctions, including a criminal complaint.teacherOnline and AI-glasses exams require new methods of supervision.education policymakerExam security rules need to be adapted to new wearable devices.survey · European UnionFrench survey: 40% of 11–12-year-olds use AI weekly, but only 26% of parents know
A French YouGov survey found that 40% of 11–12-year-olds use AI weekly, but only 26% of parents are aware of it. Some 42% of parents do not feel adequately supported.
parentAsk your child about their AI use, because parents' estimates fall well short of reality.school leaderInformation sessions and training for parents could fill a gap.tool · United StatesOpenAI teacher workshops yield reusable AI tools, but teachers want more practice
OpenAI's AI workshops for teachers produced reusable tools, but participants say they want more practice. A $1 million initiative supports teachers in directing the AI tools used in their classrooms.
teacherThe templates and tools built in the workshop can be reused, but real practice takes time.edtech companyTeachers' need for practice points to a direction for product and training development.school leaderAI training for teachers should include time to practise.In brief
AI companionDisney seeks Character.AI assets as states sue the company over minors' self-harmparentCharacter chatbots can create dependency and risk; it is worth knowing whether your child uses them.edtech companyLawsuits over companion chatbots signal legal risk in designing products for minors.caseUniversities reject AI detection tools; students accused over false positivesuniversity studentIf an AI detector flags your work wrongly, document your writing process and ask for human review.teacherA detector result alone cannot be evidence of cheating.education policymakerRedesigning assessment, rather than relying on detectors, is increasingly on the agenda.caseSchool deepfake cases reported in Malaysia, Argentina and the UKschool leaderA written procedure is needed for handling AI-manipulated images of pupils, from reporting through to the police.parentYou should know that such cases can be reported, and where to turn.toolChatGPT for Teens gets study tools; German paediatricians advise parentsstudentThe study features can help, but ask for explanations rather than ready-made answers.parentBased on paediatric recommendations, agree the rules of use in advance.researchMeta-analysis reviews AI interventions for students with disabilitiesteacherAI support can help students with learning difficulties but does not replace individual support.edtech companyBecause of the bias risk, testing with people with disabilities is essential.child safetyAustralia's eSafety regulator reports on children's chatbot use; teens more likely to tell AI than authorities about online sexual harmparentMake clear to your child that, in cases of online abuse, they can also turn to a real adult or the authorities.school leaderReporting channels should be designed so that pupils do not trust only the chatbot.education policymakerThe visibility of official reporting routes needs to improve.regulationAndhra Pradesh makes AI training compulsory for 80,000 state school teachers by month-endteacherThe AI course is compulsory; ethical use, data protection and prompting are part of the curriculum.education policymakerMandatory mass in-service training offers a large-scale implementation model.regulationGoogle questioned by US senators over education AI amid concerns about children's mental healtheducation policymakerCongressional pressure may also affect the terms of education AI procurement.edtech companyExpect increased public scrutiny of school AI products.child safetyBritish Columbia sues OpenAI over ChatGPT guidance linked to Canadian school shootingschool leaderThe lawsuit may justify a review of school safety and AI-risk protocols.education policymakerA new legal front has opened on chatbot liability.school practiceUS schools struggle to measure how much their AI experiments help, NPR reportsschool leaderBefore launching pilots, clarify the measurement criteria and baseline data.education policymakerWithout measurable results, decisions on rollout are uncertain.researchMore than 8,400 students turned to AI for emotional support, large study finds troubling mental health patternparentIt is worth asking your child whether they use a chatbot for emotional support.school leaderThe availability of school psychological support must be made clearly visible to students.surveyTaiwan survey: more than 35% of students use AI as an emotional supportparentAI used for emotional support may signal that the child cannot find a hearing elsewhere.teacherStudents may treat AI as a companion, so the topic is worth discussing in class.school practiceIndia's NCERT releases AI module for Classes 9–12 covering deepfakes and ethical usestudentThe AI module can be started without prior knowledge and includes deepfakes and ethics.teacherReady-made material is available for teaching AI basics and deepfakes.regulationOklahoma law requires district AI policies, parental opt-out rights and annual disclosures by 2027–28school leaderBy the deadline, a policy, a parental opt-out procedure and annual public disclosure must be in place.parentParents gain the right to opt their child out of AI use.education policymakerThe law could serve as a model for building parental consent into AI regulation.surveyBarnardo's: 43% of UK children have turned to AI chatbots for advice or emotional supportparentYour child has probably tried a chatbot for personal questions; it is worth asking about it.school leaderSchool mental-health support systems need to account for pupils turning to chatbots.child safetyAccess to 13 million conversations exposed through children's toy robot EilikoparentBefore buying toys that use AI, find out how they handle data.edtech companyFor conversational products aimed at children, data security is a basic requirement.toolIndia's JEET AI launches tutor that teaches, not just answers; Kenyan startup builds on students' own course materialstudentA tutor built on the student's own course material explains the content rather than just answering.edtech companyThe market for tutors that guide teaching and draw on local course material is expanding.caseStudents protest AI in US schools with walkouts and performance artstudentThere is an anti-AI voice among students too; it is worth hearing students out when rules are drafted.teacherStudents' views are worth including in AI-use agreements.school leaderExpect student protest when drawing up a school AI policy.regulationEducation ministers discuss AI: Kazakhstan–Estonia, Duraković in Italy, Icelandeducation policymakerMinisterial exchanges of experience and AI-assisted production of teaching materials point to the direction other countries are taking.regulationNova Scotia classroom AI rules vary, prompting calls for a provincewide policyeducation policymakerInconsistent practice across school districts pushes toward standardisation; there is demand for a single framework.teacherWithout a unified guideline, teachers have to work to differing rules.fraudStudent caught using ChatGPT in Victorian VCE exam; 109 cheating cases investigated, attempts up 25%studentSolving exam tasks with AI can lead to sanctions.school leaderExam supervision has to account for the use of mobile and AI devices.surveyEmployers say AI will make college degrees more importantuniversity studentEmployer preference still favours a degree in the age of AI.education policymakerEmployers' view of the value of higher education has strengthened in the face of AI.regulationFlorida attorney general proposes bill limiting teens' access to social media and AI featuresparentThe proposal would strengthen platform-side limits, but parental conversation and supervision cannot be replaced.edtech companyState-level restrictions on AI features used by teens can be expected.fraudAI cheating on the rise at Irish and Danish universitiesuniversity studentAI cheating at universities is subject to detection and sanctions.teacherChanging assessment methods is now a pressing issue because of the cheating cases.caseUC Berkeley maths professor sees 'no point' in grading homework because of AIteacherThe role and grading weight of homework need to be rethought.university studentHomework may count for less in end-of-term assessment.surveyMore than half of Korean teachers use AI weekly; Google expands AI teacher training in IndiateacherWeekly AI use among teachers is becoming common, and the need for training is growing.edtech companyThe market for AI teacher training is growing.toolTeachers Pay Teachers introduces AI ban: what buyers and sellers need to knowteacherSelling AI-generated material on the platform may become prohibited; it is not yet clear what happens to materials already purchased.edtech companyEducational content platforms may introduce stricter AI rules.regulationEU-level rules on deepfakes in the works, as legal experts warn identity-protection could backfireeducation policymakerThe rules may affect how schools handle deepfake cases legally.school leaderOnce the legal framework takes shape, it is worth updating the school's procedures accordingly.researchLancet series draws on data from nearly nine million young people to warn about digital platformseducation policymakerThe evidence on the health effects of digital platforms can serve as a basis for school device policy.parentMonitoring a child's digital habits is part of protecting their health.toolSanoma launches Sanna teacher assistant after 1,500-teacher pilotteacherThe teacher assistant can be tried out, backed by the experience of the large pilot.edtech companyPublishers' teacher assistants are new players in the textbook market.toolHarvard and Imperial College create AI avatars of some of their professorsteacherInstructor avatars raise intellectual property questions, so agreements should be settled in advance.university studentWith avatars in the picture, the role of live instructor presence is in question.