To the Editor:
The subject of the excellent article, 鈥�Rising Use of AI in Schools Comes With Big Downsides for Students鈥� (Oct. 8, 2025), is very close to my heart. As a father of a high school student, I find the current direction of AI usage increasingly worrisome.
A report on identifies 鈥減otential impacts on long-term cognitive development鈥� to be a 鈥渕ajor concern.鈥� In another 2025 study on , researchers flag both 鈥渙ver-dependence鈥� on AI and 鈥減otential erosion of critical thinking skills鈥� as challenges.
High school education is a critical stage in a student鈥檚 academic life as youth prepare for college. The learning process and experience allow students to develop their critical-thinking, problem-solving, research, and communications skills. Assignments, projects, and exams all demand students鈥� personal diligence, commitment, and resourcefulness. Students鈥� reliance on AI to solve problems and prepare projects will only be a disservice to their own intelligence and, without proper policy measures and practice guidelines, will deprive students of the immeasurable benefits they get from mental exercise and research.
How would AI-dependent students handle the challenges of higher education and their future careers? What are the impacts of current AI trends on academic integrity and ethical standards at the high school level? These are some of the issues that, in my opinion, should worry today鈥檚 糖心动漫vlog and parents.
Tewodros Abebe
Parent
Washington, D.C.
