Parents also have mixed feelings on the effects of AI, per the report. Over a quarter (26%) say AI will have a positive impact on their teen’s learning in school, while 31% say it will have a negative impact on their teen. Parents who have used AI themselves are more likely to believe the technology will have a positive effect.

Common Sense research shows that teens who do participate in complex conversations and lessons about the topic at school have a more nuanced understanding of generative AI's pros and cons. But the survey found that this isn't happening for over half of the young respondents.

Most teens use AI tools, whether they’ve learned about the technologies’ strengths and weaknesses, or not, Common Sense found. About 70 percent of teens have used at least one kind of AI tool. A little over half—51 percent— have used Chatbots or text generators, such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Co-pilot, or Google’s Gemini, Common Sense found.

San Francisco-based Common Sense Media has released a national survey of 1,045 teens and their parents, asking about their use of generative AI at home and school. Nearly three-quarters of teens have used at least one type of generative AI tool,

A news survey shows that AI use among high schoolers has exploded in recent months, as educators and parents struggle to keep up.