Edtechmagazine iconEdtechmagazineSep 28, 2026

The Hidden Side of Student AI Use: Mental Health, Access and Risk

When schools talk about students using artificial intelligence, the conversation often begins with assignments. Are students using AI to brainstorm, summarize or complete work they should be doing themselves?

The Hidden Side of Student AI Use: Mental Health, Access and Risk

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When schools talk about students using artificial intelligence, the conversation often begins with assignments.

Are students using AI to brainstorm, summarize or complete work they should be doing themselves?

Those questions matter, but academic use is only one part of what schools need to consider.

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The useful part

When schools talk about students using artificial intelligence, the conversation often begins with assignments. Are students using AI to brainstorm, summarize or complete work they should be doing themselves? Those questions matter, but academic use is only one part of what schools need to consider.

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  • For the past three years, I have encouraged educators to also pay attention to what may be invisible.
  • Potentially more consequential for student safety is the use of chatbots for general advice, emotional support or relationship guidance.

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