Issue 14
Viewpoint
tool · United States
Google turns off AI by default on K-12 student accounts; schools that opt out may lose Search
Google announced earlier this week that it will turn off Gemini, Gemini Notebook, Gemini in Classroom and AI in Search by default on K-12 student accounts. Schools can disable the AI tools, but reports say the price is losing general access to Google Search.
Who is affected and how
- school leader
- Must decide whether to turn on Google's AI features on student accounts or accept losing Search access.
- teacher
- Should have the system administrator confirm before class what students can access in Search and Classroom.
- parent
- Should ask the school which setting it has chosen for their child's account.
- edtech company
- Products built on the Google ecosystem must allow for sudden changes in school settings.
- education policymaker
- The decision has raised questions of abuse of market power and AI regulation.
child safety · United States
Parents sue Google, saying 13-year-old daughter used Gemini to plan suicide
A family has sued Google, alleging that their daughter used Gemini on a school Chromebook and that it became a life-threatening obsession. According to the complaint, the parents did not know that…
school leaderSchools need to clarify what AI access students have on school devices and who can see what they use.parentAI use on a school device may be invisible to parents, so it is worth asking about.teacherTeachers should report it if a student's AI use shows a worrying pattern.education policymakerThe lawsuit raises the question of liability for school Chromebooks and AI access.edtech companyFor school AI products, the legal stakes of child-safety filtering and liability are rising.regulation · European UnionEuropean Commission unveils education and skills package, with AI literacy certificate for 15-year-olds planned from 2027/28
The European Commission on Thursday presented an education and skills package responding to declining basic skills, teacher shortages and the role of AI in schools. The package includes introducing…
education policymakerMember states must prepare to pilot the AI literacy certificate and to work toward the basic-skills targets.school leaderTraining and assessment in AI literacy for 15-year-olds will need to be planned.teacherThe package also covers teacher shortages and teachers' competences for AI education.studentStudents aged 15 will be able to obtain an AI literacy certificate after the pilot.edtech companyThey can offer educational content for the EU's AI literacy framework.regulation · United StatesSenators, New York mayor and Sanders criticize Google's AI ultimatum for schools
Senators Blumenthal and Hawley asked Google to explain its approach to AI in schools, while New York Mayor Mamdani said the company is using its monopoly power to push AI on schools and Sanders…
education policymakerThe dispute shows big-city school systems and lawmakers pushing back against the terms set by a platform provider.school leaderGoogle's terms may still change, so it is worth making the decision once the clarifications are known.parentChildren's classroom searches are at the center of the dispute between parent groups and big technology companies.child safety · United KingdomAI teddy bear for three-year-olds made unprompted remark about killing in BBC test
The BBC examined two AI teddy toys recommended from age three, both on sale in the UK; one said unprompted that it could not help with killing. Following the report, experts are urging a ban on such…
parentBefore buying a talking AI toy, test what it says to a child and supervise its use.edtech companyFor AI toys aimed at young children, content filtering and context understanding have become a serious expectation.education policymakerThe absence of child-safety rules for such toys has come to the fore.Hungary
surveyHungary's 2026 national competence assessment shows sharp decline in pupils' basic skillsteacherStrengthening basic skills cannot be replaced by AI tools.school leaderHelping pupils who have fallen behind catch up should take priority over introducing AI.education policymakerThe decline in basic skills is a precondition for any AI education programmes.parentStrengthening basic skills at home cannot be replaced by AI tools.regulationRomania to launch AI and digital citizenship subject, with an AI literacy frameworkschool leaderSchools must prepare to launch the elective subject.teacherTeachers will need competence and methodological training for the new subject.studentRomanian high school students can choose the new subject.education policymakerA national AI literacy framework example for the region.researchNational Conference on Educational Research in Eger examines pedagogical impact of AI and digitalisationteacherThe conference's professional debates focus on the pedagogical use of AI.education policymakerThe education research community is urging public consultation on the challenges of AI.school leaderThe conference themes may offer input for school AI strategies.regulationSlovakia introduces AI literacy teaching in primary schoolsteacherPrimary school teachers must teach AI literacy.school leaderAI literacy must be built into the primary school curriculum.education policymakerNeighbouring countries can offer a model for Hungarian decisions on AI education.regulationEötvös Loránd University rector's directive regulates the use of AI in educationuniversity studentAt ELTE, the use of AI in teaching and learning is governed by the rector's directive.teacherUnder the directive, instructors must set and communicate rules for the use of AI.education policymakerA Hungarian model for university AI policies.school practiceEstonia's AI Leap programme expands to vocational educationteacherVocational teachers are also brought within the scope of the AI programme.education policymakerA regional example of extending AI training to vocational education.school practiceÓbuda University and Gránit Bank to build AI and digital banking know-how into degree programmesuniversity studentPractical banking AI and digital skills enter the curriculum.teacherInstructors should expect practical content supplied by an industry partner.edtech companyA university–company cooperation model in AI education.school practiceAI and student research circles discussed at national student research forum in Győruniversity studentRules on the use of AI in TDK work are a matter of debate.teacherSupervisors must take a position on the role of AI in TDK work.school practiceDigital Theme Week highlights AI and digital citizenship among its main topicsteacherDuring the theme week, teachers can work on digital citizenship and algorithm-related topics.school leaderThe theme week provides a framework for introducing AI topics in schools.school practiceVeszprém's AIéjszakája event includes a methods exchange for teachersteacherAt AIéjszakája, teachers can gather methodological ideas for using AI in the classroom.researchPázmány university's IT faculty says robotics could be AI's next big breakthroughuniversity studentRobotics may become an important direction in AI education.education policymakerExpanding Hungary's AI education portfolio points toward robotics.
More key stories of the week
regulation · United States
New York law bans AI chatbots from posing as friends to children
New York's new laws regulate the risks of AI chatbots for children and the security of baby monitors. One provision bans chatbots from acting as friends toward children.
edtech companyChatbots aimed at children must comply with the new limits on role-play and communication.parentThe law addresses the risk in the relationship between children and chatbots that pose as friends.education policymakerIt could serve as a model for other states' chatbot rules.case · globalAI-generated fake images target students and teachers as schools remain unprepared
A US survey found that one in three educators does not know whether their school has a policy on AI-generated fake images. In the Netherlands, Lauwers College staff became targets of deepfakes on…
school leaderA policy and an intervention protocol are needed for AI-generated fake images.teacherTraining is needed to recognise and handle deepfakes.studentAgainst fake images, the school's reporting channel should be used.parentIt is worth being careful when publishing school photos.survey · United StatesCommon Sense census: nearly two in three teens and tweens use AI chatbots
A Common Sense census finds that nearly two in three teenagers and younger children use AI chatbots. Parents underestimate how often they do so, and among those using a chatbot or companion, 11% of…
parentShould ask their child about AI use, because parents underestimate it.teacherMust reckon with the fact that most students already use chatbots.school leaderData on students' AI use should be collected before drafting a policy.regulation · United StatesNew York City schools and South Portland move to restrict generative AI for younger students
New York City public schools are reported to be introducing a moratorium on generative AI from kindergarten through eighth grade for the next school year. The South Portland school board votes Monday…
school leaderA policy must be drafted for the restricted grades before AI returns to classrooms.teacherTeachers in the lower grades cannot rely on generative AI in organizing learning.parentYounger children's AI use in school is expected to be restricted.edtech companySelling AI products in the K–8 market will become harder.survey · United Kingdom73% of UK pupils pass off AI-made homework as their own, GoStudent survey finds
A GoStudent survey found that 73% of UK pupils do not disclose AI's role in work they hand in. Only 28% have been given a structured lesson at school on how to use AI properly.
teacherTeachers need to teach the rules and the way of disclosing AI use.school leaderStructured AI-use teaching needs to be introduced.studentThe role of AI should be disclosed in submitted work.parentIt is worth asking the child what AI help they used for homework.survey · globalSurvey: 57% of children turn to AI for emotional support, almost matching homework use
A survey finds that 57% of children turn to AI for emotional support, almost as many as use it for homework. A Hungarian report says children talk to AI even in place of their friends.
parentShould discuss with the child why they turn to AI with emotional problems.teacherMust reckon with students entrusting their mental burdens to a chatbot.school leaderSchool psychology and counselling capacity is needed to support students who rely on AI.child safety · globalApple makes it harder for children to find dating and AI companion apps
Apple is taking steps to make it harder for children to find dating and AI companion apps. The news appeared on November 3.
parentRestrictions on Apple devices affect how children discover apps, so it is worth reviewing the settings.edtech companyAI companion apps must reckon with Apple's App Store restrictions.regulation · United StatesUniversities set AI policies: Colorado, Nebraska, UIC and Harvard Extension
The University of Colorado has set a framework for AI use, the University of Nebraska has introduced new rules across its campuses, and UIC requires instructors to disclose AI use to students. At…
teacherInstructors must disclose when they use AI for course materials or assessment.university studentUniversity policies differ, so check them course by course.education policymakerInstitutional frameworks can serve as a model for other universities.toolAustralian universities roll out ChatGPT Edu to prepare AI-native graduates
OpenAI says Australian universities are introducing ChatGPT Edu to train AI-native graduates. The universities aim to prepare students for the labour market.
university studentUniversity students get ChatGPT Edu access and learn AI skills.education policymakerAn institution-wide model for adopting AI.edtech companyOpenAI is expanding in Australian higher education.school practice · United StatesSeattle blocks YouTube, Minecraft and Gemini, limits elementary students' screen time
Seattle Public Schools is blocking YouTube, Minecraft and Gemini, limiting elementary students' screen time and disabling unapproved AI tools. Parents, meanwhile, are demanding a pause on classroom…
school leaderAn approval process for AI tools needs to be run.teacherTeachers may use only approved AI tools in class.parentParental pressure influences the school board's decision.edtech companyUnapproved AI products can expect to be blocked in Seattle schools.research · United StatesStudies: children attached to AI chatbots show markedly worse mental health
A study finds that the mental health of children strongly attached to AI chatbots is dramatically worse. Rutgers and AHA materials address the risks of young people's use of AI for mental health…
parentShould monitor the child's chatbot habits, especially if they see it as emotional support.teacherIt is important to flag a withdrawn student who relies on AI.school leaderStudent welfare programmes need to pay specific attention to AI chatbots.research · United StatesStanford researchers warn AI can undermine learning when students rely on it to think
Stanford researchers say AI can undermine learning when students rely on it for thinking, and independent problem-solving may weaken. Another report asks whether students who use AI to study are…
teacherSet tasks in which AI cannot take over the thinking.studentAI cannot replace independent thinking in learning.parentSupplement a child's study habits with practice done without AI.In brief
caseChild safety lawsuits against Snap, Meta and Google mount; West Virginia also sues SnapparentThe lawsuits serve to hold platforms to their child safety promises.education policymakerStates are themselves taking action on child safety.edtech companyThe lawsuits raise the legal risk of AI products in schools.caseUniversity of Seoul files police complaint against applicants who used AI smart glasses at examuniversity studentCheating with smart glasses has legal consequences.school leaderExam security needs to be extended to new wearable devices.education policymakerRegulation and sanctions for exam cheating are coming into focus.school practiceUS teachers revive oral exams and handwriting to counter AIteacherIt is worth redesigning assessment into in-class, oral or handwritten formats.studentExpect more oral and in-class assessment.university studentUniversity exam rules are changing because of AI.toolGemini in Google Classroom offers teachers planning, quiz, rubric and text-levelling toolsteacherIt can be used for lesson planning and assessment, but results must be checked.school leaderFeature availability also depends on the school's Google settings.surveySurvey: most parents want AI taught in schools, but with strong safeguardsschool leaderParents expect AI to be taught and protection to be ensured at the same time.education policymakerThe survey shows parental support and the safety conditions attached to it.parentThe school can be asked to present its usage and data-protection framework.toolGoogle may give parents a daily time limit for children's Gemini useparentParents can set a daily time limit on their child's Gemini use.edtech companyParental controls may become a baseline expectation for AI assistants.school practiceHoward County and Fairfax school systems tighten rules on AI and education technologystudentIn Howard County, using AI requires teacher permission.teacherTeachers will have a gatekeeping role in approving AI use.school leaderThe district's rules can serve as a model for other schools.caseMore than 300 teachers, parents and doctors demand pause on AI school tutorsteacherTeachers' organizations are resisting the introduction of AI tutors.parentParents and doctors may act together against the rollout.education policymakerRollout decisions are expected to involve consultation with professionals and parents.toolLightspeed filter lets schools disable Google AI Overview and AI Modeschool leaderThe school IT filter can restrict Google's AI search features separately.edtech companyA new category of filtering and device-management products has emerged around Google's settings.regulationDutch lower house of parliament moves to ban generative AI for primary school pupilseducation policymakerAn EU member-state precedent for banning generative AI in the lower primary years.teacherPlanning AI-assisted tasks in lower primary grades may become restricted.edtech companyGenerative AI products may become risky in the Dutch primary school market.fraud3AM ransomware hits UK school estate in suspected AI-assisted attackschool leaderSchool network cyber defences and the recovery plan should be reviewed.education policymakerThe cybersecurity of school infrastructure has emerged as a central risk.researchWhatsApp AI tutor improves maths results in Ghana; 100-school trial under wayeducation policymakerThe impact of low-cost, messaging-based tutoring is being tested.edtech companyA market example of AI tutors working through simple channels.teacherThe AI tutor can supplement teachers' work, not replace it.surveySamsung: 95% of students use AI, but few get formal training; parents struggle to adviseteacherWith formal AI training lacking, schools need to find solutions at institutional level.parentParents may need outside sources of information for career guidance.studentStudents have to make up for the lack of formal AI training on their own.school practiceCollege Board tightens SAT security against AI cheating and leaksstudentExpect stricter security checks at the SAT.school leaderExam organisation needs to adapt to the new security requirements.caseDubai court upholds student's dismissal over AI-written thesisuniversity studentAn AI-written thesis can lead to dismissal.school leaderThe court ruling confirms that institutional disciplinary rules are enforceable.researchOECD report: AI tutors may outperform classroom learningeducation policymakerOECD data may support decisions on adopting AI tutors.edtech companyAI tutor effectiveness can serve as a sales argument.caseMontana state court lawsuit over ChatGPT and child safety advancesparentThe lawsuit tests legal liability for chatbots' effects on children.edtech companyAI companies face growing liability risk in use by minors.regulationThe fate of the Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act is uncertainedtech companyThe outcome of youth online safety regulation affects product development.education policymakerThe outcome of a federal child safety framework remains open.researchResearcher: AI tools affect middle schoolers differently from college studentsteacherTeachers need to take into account that AI effects differ by age.education policymakerUniversity findings cannot automatically be transferred to elementary schools.edtech companyAge-specific impact assessment is expected in product development.toolMeta extends parental alerts on teen suicide and self-harm content from Instagram to FacebookparentParents may also receive alerts on Facebook about dangerous content their child encounters.edtech companyParental notification features are becoming an expected standard for social platforms.school practiceIndia: Karnataka to train 5,000 teachers in AI, Telangana offers 1 lakh students free AI training, Delhi launches AI programmeteacherGovernment school teachers in Karnataka are receiving AI training.studentFree AI and cloud computing training is available in Telangana.university studentGauhati University students can receive free AI skills training.surveyCanada ranks fifth among 56 Commonwealth countries for youth AI readinesseducation policymakerAlongside the readiness ranking, gaps in practical use call for separate action.school practiceMicrosoft and DepEd to credential 2,000 Filipino teachers in AI literacyteacherCan earn an AI literacy credential.edtech companyMarket expansion through partnerships with state education ministries.toolMindmax raises £2.5m for conversational AI tutoredtech companyInvestor interest in AI tutoring continues to grow.studentA conversational AI tutor is entering the market.toolOxford University Press links its content to ChatGPT Edu in three-month pilotuniversity studentAuthenticated content may become available directly in ChatGPT Edu.edtech companyLinking publisher content to AI platforms points to a new business model.toolGoogle adds free textbooks to NotebookLM for students in IndiastudentFree textbooks are available in NotebookLM.teacherThe study material can be linked with an AI assistant.school practiceHamilton-Wentworth District School Board publishes its responsible approach to AIschool leaderA model for district-level AI policy.teacherThe policy sets the framework for teachers' use of AI.researchDigital Promise part of research teams awarded $38m for AI in educationeducation policymakerNew research funding is emerging to study the impact of AI in education.edtech companyThe findings could support evidence-based product development.caseOnly 20% of government schools in Jalandhar equipped for AIeducation policymakerComputer infrastructure is a prerequisite for AI education.teacherComputer teachers say equipment provision is inadequate.regulationTeachers' union leader urges Democratic elected officials to address AI in schoolsteacherUnion advocacy now extends to the role of AI in schools.education policymakerTeachers' organizations are pressing for AI regulation.caseStudents say AI companies are targeting under-resourced schoolsschool leaderWith free or cheap AI offers, weigh dependency and data risks as well.studentRead AI companies' interests critically.regulationMalaysia to add AI literacy to the school curriculumteacherMust prepare to teach AI literacy.education policymakerA regional example of integration into the national curriculum.caseMassachusetts colleges turn to Flock and AI cameras: safety or surveillance?university studentAI camera surveillance may be present on campus.school leaderPrivacy concerns must also be addressed when introducing security tools.toolOpenAI offers €50 in ChatGPT credits to French studentsstudentStudents in France can claim ChatGPT credits.edtech companyOpenAI is expanding its presence in the student market.researchYear-long trial: Rosie AI chatbot did not reduce anxiety or depression in pregnant women and new mothersparentThe chatbot was not shown to be more effective in treating anxiety and depression.surveyStudents say they use AI to learn but think their peers cut cornersteacherStudents' self-reports differ from their perception of their peers.school leaderSchool policy also has to take into account how students perceive themselves and their peers.toolMedical students get an AI tutor built on McGraw Hill medical contentuniversity studentAn AI tutor is available for medical course material.edtech companyLinking publisher content with AI tutors is becoming more common.