Teens in the AI Era: Schoolwork and Skills That Matter (2026)

Executive summary

The report Teens in the AI Era: Schoolwork and Skills That Matter examines how American teenagers use artificial intelligence (AI) for schoolwork, how they perceive its impact on learning, and whether schools are preparing them to use AI effectively and responsibly.

The study, conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago for Common Sense Media, surveyed 1,017 teenagers ages 13–17 between April 30 and May 14, 2026.

The central finding is that AI has become a routine part of students' academic lives, but its influence on learning is mixed. Students use AI to brainstorm, check their work, receive feedback, and obtain direct answers. While many believe AI improves their understanding and academic performance, others worry that it reduces their original thinking and causes them to miss important learning opportunities.

Students see benefits but have concerns about learning

Among teens who use AI for schoolwork:

• 66% agree that AI helps them understand their schoolwork.
• 51% believe AI makes them more successful students.
• 39% feel they are missing out on learning when they use AI to complete assignments.
• 38% say they generate fewer of their own ideas because AI is available.

These results reveal a tension: students may experience immediate academic benefits while questioning whether they are developing the knowledge and skills they will need later.

The report highlights a significant gap between students' adoption of AI and their preparation to use it responsibly. Many teenagers do not understand their schools' AI policies, and relatively few have discussed AI safety, accuracy, or appropriate use with their teachers.

Reference

Zimmermann, L., Mann, S., Radesky, J., & Robb, M. B. (2026). Teens in the AI Era: Schoolwork and Skills That Matter. Common Sense Media.