Congress hasn’t passed AI rules for schools. So these 98 teens did it themselves
A group of 98 teenagers has drawn up its own proposed rules for using artificial intelligence in schools, amid the absence of federal legislation on the issue. The initiative matters because students are directly affected by AI tools in classrooms, yet many schools are still deciding how to balance learning opportunities with risks such as cheating, bias and privacy concerns.
The students’ work seeks to give young people a voice in policies that are often set by lawmakers, education officials and technology companies. Their recommendations address responsible AI use in education and illustrate the pressure on schools to establish clear, consistent guidance while Congress has yet to act.
In short
- 98 teenagers proposed AI rules for schools.
- Congress has not set federal school AI policy.
- Students want a say in classroom AI decisions.
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The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Students are directly affected by classroom AI, so involving them can help rules reflect how these tools are actually used and what learners need. Clear, student-informed guidance could support useful applications while setting expectations around academic honesty, fairness and privacy.
The case against
Rules for classroom AI can affect safeguarding, data protection and educational standards, so they benefit from accountable oversight by educators, families and public authorities with relevant expertise. Students’ proposals can inform that process, but may not fully address differences between schools or the practical demands of implementing consistent policies.
Explained simply
Artificial intelligence tools are increasingly used in schools to help with learning and assessment. Congress, which makes laws in the United States, has not yet passed rules for how schools should use these tools. This leaves schools struggling to work out how to make the most of AI technology whilst managing potential problems like cheating, bias in the software, and protecting student privacy.
With no federal guidance forthcoming, 98 teenagers have created their own proposed rules for AI use in schools. These young people drew up the recommendations based on their direct experience using these tools as students in classrooms. Their work puts pressure on lawmakers and education officials to develop clear national guidance on the issue.
This initiative matters because students are most directly affected by how AI is used in their schools, yet policies are typically decided by adults in government, education officials and technology companies. By developing their own proposals, these teenagers have highlighted the gap between where policy stands and where schools need answers on a rapidly changing issue.
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