A new Google study with RXN surveyed over 1,000 U.S. teens (ages 13–17) and paired surveys with focus groups. The findings show how teens use AI for learning, creativity, verification, and safety — and what they want from schools and families.
Most teens use AI as an interactive study partner rather than a shortcut: 94% used AI in the past year and 74% of those use it weekly or more to deepen understanding.
Generative AI supports creativity: 74% of teens say AI helped them discover new interests or skills.
Teens apply multi-step checks to AI outputs: 55% cross-check facts with trusted sources and 54% ask a trusted adult.
# What this study did Google partnered with research firm RXN to survey more than 1,000 U.S. teens ages 13–17, including separate 1,000-respondent samples in six states. Quantitative survey data were paired with in-depth focus groups to understand how teenagers navigate generative AI in daily life, school, and creative pursuits.
# How teens use AI for school and learning The study counters a common adult worry that teens mostly use AI to cheat. Ninety-four percent of U.S. teens report using AI in the past year. Among those users, 74% say they use AI weekly or more, primarily as an interactive partner to unpack complex topics and generate ideas rather than as an automated shortcut.
Concrete academic use cases reported by teens include:
These figures suggest teens are integrating AI into routine study habits, often to extend their thinking rather than replace it.
# AI and creative exploration Teens describe generative AI as a tool that accelerates creative learning. Three-quarters (74%) agreed that AI helped them discover new interests or learn new skills. Focus-group feedback paired with survey responses indicates AI frequently prompts teens to try new creative projects or build skills they might not have attempted otherwise.
# How teens check AI credibility Many teens do more than accept AI outputs at face value. The research documents specific verification behaviors:
These multi-step strategies show active, critical evaluation rather than blind reliance.
# Gaps in digital literacy and how teens want to fix them Teens report wanting formal instruction earlier. Sixty-four percent think digital literacy and responsibility lessons should begin by fifth grade. Yet only 57% say their school currently offers digital literacy or technology classes. That leaves nearly one in three teens without formal instruction, according to the study.
# Family as the primary safety resource
# Bottom line for educators, parents, and policymakers Teens are actively engaging with generative AI for learning and creativity and are taking steps to verify what they find. They want earlier, structured digital literacy instruction and continue to rely heavily on family for online safety guidance. Any response — in classrooms, policy, or product design — should reflect teenagers' existing behaviors and their request for earlier, practical education on digital tools.
Two recent surveys provide insights on teens' views of artificial intelligence.
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Researchers sat down with 30 teens and young adults ages 14 to 22 in one-on-one, one-hour conversations to get real about their use of AI.
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