AI in School Affects Pupils’ Ability to Create Original Work, Report Finds


A dimly lit, futuristic classroom with rows of young students, predominantly girls, seated at individual desks, each intensely focused on an open laptop. Above each student's head, a clear, transparent bubble contains glowing digital circuitry and data, symbolizing ideas or creativity. These bubbles are connected by glowing blue lines that lead back to a large, imposing, glowing blue eye or orb on a dark monolith at the front of the classroom, suggesting a central AI influence. The students appear subdued and uniform. Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.
A concerning new report indicates that the increasing integration of AI in schools may be diminishing students’ capacity for original thought and creative work. This image visualizes the potential impact, raising questions about how technology might inadvertently hinder the development of essential human skills. Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.

Source

The Stage

Summary

A new Oxford University Press report warns that secondary school students in the UK fear artificial intelligence is limiting their creativity and originality. The study found that 80 per cent of pupils aged 13 to 18 use AI regularly for schoolwork, and while 90 per cent said it has helped them develop at least one skill, many expressed concern that it encourages imitation rather than innovation. Sixty per cent reported that AI makes them more likely to copy existing content, while 12 per cent said it hinders creative thinking and writing. Over half also feared AI tools reinforce biased or inaccurate stereotypes. The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain has called on schools and government to protect young people’s creative development and critical independence in the classroom.

Key Points

  • 80 per cent of pupils regularly use AI for schoolwork; only 2 per cent have never used it.
  • 60 per cent say AI encourages imitation and reduces originality.
  • 12 per cent believe AI negatively affects their creative thinking and writing.
  • 51 per cent worry AI tools reinforce bias and untrue stereotypes.
  • The Writers’ Guild urges policies to safeguard creativity and human-centred learning.

Keywords

URL

https://www.thestage.co.uk/news/ai-in-school-affects-pupils-ability-to-create-original-work-report

Summary generated by ChatGPT 5