Survey: Almost all older students use AI for homework

In response to growing concerns over the impact of artificial intelligence on education, Germany's approach to integrating AI into schools has sparked debate. While Norway has taken a strict stance by banning the use of generative AI for students under 14 and restricting its use among those aged 14 to 16, Germany plans to introduce a secure AI chatbot called AIS in all classrooms this school year. The move comes amid reports that nearly three-quarters of German teenagers aged 12 to 19 already use AI tools for their homework, with many teachers believing the figure is closer to 100 percent. The push for AI integration follows years of experimentation by educators such as Florian Nuxoll, a leading expert in AI education in Germany. Nuxoll teaches English and social studies in Tübingen and has been actively exploring the role of AI in learning. After observing the effects of generative AI in his classroom, he concluded that it undermines the fundamental principles of education. He noted that students were skipping essential learning steps, a phenomenon he calls "skill-skipping," which prevents them from fully understanding the material they are studying. Norway’s decision to restrict AI usage in schools highlights the global concern over how AI might affect student performance. The country saw declining test results among its students, prompting authorities to implement strict regulations. Starting this academic year, generative AI will be completely banned during school hours for children under 14. For those aged 14 to 16, AI can only be used under close supervision by teachers. Only in higher secondary education will students receive targeted training in AI skills to prepare them for university and the workforce. Germany, however, is moving in a different direction. Fourteen federal states have decided to provide schools with the AIS chatbot, developed specifically for educational purposes by the FWU media institute using funds from the first Digital Pact for Schools. This AI system meets high data protection standards, ensuring that both teachers and students can use it legally and securely. Teachers can use it as an assistant or create learning scenarios for their students, while also accessing current language models. Despite these efforts to regulate AI use in schools, the technology has already permeated the lives of students outside formal education settings. According to the representative media pedagogical JIM study from 2025, almost three-quarters of young people aged 12 to 19 use AI for their homework. However, this number likely represents only those who admit to doing so openly. Many teachers believe that all students are using AI tools, even if they don't disclose it publicly. Nuxoll emphasizes that the issue goes beyond just homework. He argues that AI is changing the very nature of learning. Students are no longer going through the process of acquiring knowledge step by step. Instead, they are relying on AI-generated content to complete tasks, bypassing crucial learning experiences. This trend raises questions about the long-term implications for education and whether traditional methods of teaching remain relevant in an age dominated by AI. As Germany moves forward with its AI initiatives, the contrast with Norway’s approach underscores the broader debate surrounding the role of AI in education. While some countries are taking cautionary measures, others are embracing the technology with the hope of enhancing learning outcomes. The coming months will reveal how effectively these strategies address the challenges posed by AI in the classroom and whether they can prevent students from losing the ability to learn independently.