StatusIn preparation · the full piece will follow our opening
The question to ask
Not “Is AI allowed?” but “Who is doing the thinking?” If the tool explains an idea and your child then solves the problem on their own, it’s helping. If it writes the answer and your child copies it, it isn’t.
Rules that work
Try it first, on your own. Use AI to explain, not to answer. Check what it says against what you know. Be ready to explain every line of your work. And follow your school’s rules, which may be stricter than yours.
Ask who is doing the thinking.
By age
Younger children do best using AI with an adult beside them, for curiosity and questions. Older learners can use it more independently, with clear expectations and regular conversations about how they used it.
What to watch for
Work that’s much better than your child can explain. Writing that doesn’t sound like them. A drop in effort. These are worth a calm conversation rather than a punishment.
What you’ll take away
- 01Ask who is doing the thinking.
- 02Try first, then use AI to explain, not to answer.
- 03If they can’t explain it, they haven’t learned it yet.
