🚨 What Teens Are Saying About ChatGPT 🚨

Author

Merissa Sadler-Holder
January 29, 2025

I recently read an article in Parents Magazine about how teens are using ChatGPT for schoolwork, with 26% saying they’ve relied on it for academic tasks in 2024—double the number from the year before.

While some see this as a red flag, I see an opportunity: a chance to teach students how to responsibly and effectively use AI as an extension of their expertise, not a replacement for it.

Here are some key takeaways from the article:

Increased Usage: In 2024, 26% of teens reported using ChatGPT for schoolwork, doubling the percentage from the previous year.

AI Use Cases: Many teens feel comfortable using AI for tasks like:

  • Researching and exploring new topics.

  • Brainstorming ideas for projects or assignments.

  • Simplifying complex concepts to better understand them.

Ethical Concerns: Some teens are hesitant to use ChatGPT for:

  • Writing essays or completing written assignments outright.

  • Solving math problems without fully understanding the process.

Expert Opinions:

  • Supporters compare AI tools to calculators in the 1970s, suggesting they can enhance learning when used responsibly.

  • Critics worry about overreliance on AI, which might hinder critical thinking and study habits.

Parental Role:

  • Parents are encouraged to discuss responsible AI use with their children, emphasizing that it should complement learning, not replace effort.

  • They should help students see AI as a tool for problem-solving and creativity, not a shortcut.

Potential for Growth: With proper guidance from educators and parents, AI can foster deeper understanding and innovation in learning, while also preparing students for the AI-driven future.

AI tools like ChatGPT can help students brainstorm ideas, simplify complex topics, or prepare for tests, but the true power lies in how they amplify learning.
 
The same applies to teachers—AI doesn’t replace our expertise, but it enhances it, freeing us to focus on what we do best: inspiring, engaging, and teaching with heart.

This is why I’m so passionate about equipping educators to guide students in using AI ethically and creatively.

With the right mindset, AI can be a tool for innovation, critical thinking, and growth—not a shortcut or substitute for hard work.

Interested in providing opportunities for your students to build their AI fluency? Download the free templates "AI Classroom Norms" and "AI Flexible Toolbox". 

We got this!

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K đź‘‹ baiii teacher besties!

đź©· Merissa Sadler-Holder

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I love reading your feedback, it helps me design effective solutions for others. I respond to all my emails. Just hit reply to this email. Rooting for you and your students! Love, M.

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