Nearly 60% of K-12 students are using artificial intelligence (AI) in schoolwork, a new statewide poll from EdTrust in Massachusetts and The MassINC Polling Group found – but parents remain divided over its role in classrooms.
According to the poll, 59% of parents said their child uses AI for schoolwork, with the most use reported among students in higher grades.
While student use of AI is increasing, only 33% of parents said they view AI in classrooms positively; 34% hold negative views or are unsure. Parents are similarly split on AI’s impact on learning: 48% said they anticipate benefits, while 42% expected negative effects.
Despite mixed sentiments, parents align on key reservations. More than 70% of parents are concerned about biased evaluations of student work, threats to student data privacy, and unequal access to AI tools that could give some students an advantage, according to the report.
Two-thirds say digital literacy should be a high school graduation requirement. Yet communication and policy transparency lag: 35% of parents say their child’s school lacks AI policies, and 37% are unsure whether such policies exist.
“These findings make one thing unmistakably clear: families are wary about how quickly AI is entering classrooms,” Jennie Williamson, state director for EdTrust in Massachusetts, said in a statement. “Yes, AI can be a powerful resource that offers new opportunities, but it also introduces complex challenges and cannot replace the foundational skills that students need to think critically and solve problems on their own.”
“Parents want their children to use AI thoughtfully – not depend on it – and policy solutions must reflect that reality. To prevent AI from becoming a runaway force in education, we need policies shaped with families at the table,” Williamson added.
EdTrust and The MassINC Polling Group said parents see tradeoffs in the use of AI. Many believe AI can strengthen digital literacy and research skills, while worrying about potential erosion in critical thinking, collaboration, writing, and math.
Moving forward, education leaders are saying that there needs to be more transparency around how AI is used in education – especially for communities of color.
“For Latino students and other students of color, uneven approaches to AI can reinforce existing gaps in access, digital literacy, and protections around data privacy and bias,” Jorge Fanjul, executive director of Latinos for Education, said in a statement. “Clear expectations, strong guardrails, and consistent communication can help ensure AI is used responsibly and equitably so that all students benefit, not just a select few.”
The poll surveyed 1,351 Massachusetts parents with students in grades K-12 and was conducted from October 21 to November 12, 2025, according to the organizations.