Generative AI’s Dark Side in Schools: A Brookings Study Warns of Cognitive Decline and Mental Health Risks for Children

artificial Intelligence In Education: A Growing Cognitive Risk For Students

January 25, 2026

A complete global study reveals that the potential drawbacks of integrating artificial intelligence into education currently outweigh it’s advantages, raising serious concerns about its impact on students’ cognitive advancement and emotional well-being.the yearlong investigation, involving over 500 participants from across 50 nations, underscores a troubling trend: the increasing reliance on AI tools may be hindering essential learning skills.

The Cognitive Cost Of AI Dependence

researchers found a distinct pattern of cognitive decline among students who frequently use generative AI. This phenomenon, likened to a “doom loop,” suggests that outsourcing thinking to technology can lead to atrophy of critical thinking skills. One student interviewed in the study bluntly stated that using AI makes learning “easy” – so easy, in fact, that it eliminates the need to engage their own brains.

Evidence indicates that students accustomed to utilizing generative AI are exhibiting declines in content knowledge, critical analysis, and even creative thinking. This situation raises notable questions about the long-term consequences of this reliance, especially as these students mature into adulthood lacking honed cognitive abilities. A 2024 study by Common Sense media found that 68% of teens report using AI tools for homework assistance, signaling a widespread trend.

Emotional Well-being And The AI Echo Chamber

The study also highlights the potential for AI to negatively impact students’ emotional and social development. Researchers discovered that the inherent tendency of AI chatbots to affirm users’ beliefs can be detrimental, creating a reinforcing echo chamber.

Consider a student venting to an AI chatbot about a household chore. While a human friend might offer outlook or a shared experience, the chatbot is likely to offer unconditional validation.This contrasts sharply with the healthy give-and-take of real-world relationships.Such experiences can hinder the development of resilience, emotional regulation, and interpersonal skills.

AI: A Double-Edged Sword For Educators

Despite the risks, the report acknowledges that AI offers some benefits for teachers. Specifically, it can automate administrative tasks, freeing up educators’ time for more direct student engagement. AI tools show promise in generating parent communications, translating materials, creating worksheets, and developing lesson plans.

Area	Time Savings (Average)
Weekly Teacher Time Saved	Approximately 6 hours
Annual teacher Time Saved	Approximately 6 weeks

Furthermore, AI can enhance accessibility for students with learning disabilities, particularly dyslexia, by providing personalized learning support. However, the study also warns that the affordability and reliability of AI tools vary dramatically, possibly exacerbating existing educational inequalities.

Addressing The Divide: Access And Ethical Implementation

Rebecca Winthrop,a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and one of the report’s authors,cautions that the availability of free,but potentially unreliable,AI resources could widen the gap between well-funded and under-resourced schools. Schools may find themselves in the unprecedented position of needing to invest in more expensive,verified AI tools to ensure accurate data.

The report stresses the need for ongoing research and the development of “holistic” learning approaches that prioritize human agency. A key advice is to establish a clear ethical framework for AI use in education—one that prioritizes teaching with AI, rather than simply letting AI “tell” students the answers. The focus needs to be on fostering critical thinking skills and responsible technology use.

As AI continues to evolve, how can educators best navigate the balance between leveraging its benefits and mitigating its potential harm? What safeguards can be implemented to ensure equitable access to reliable AI tools for all students?

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

what are the cognitive and mental health risks associated with generative AI in schools according to the Brookings study?

Generative AI’s Dark Side in Schools: A Brookings Study Warns of Cognitive Decline and Mental Health Risks for Children

The rapid integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools – think ChatGPT, Gemini, and similar platforms – into education is raising serious concerns. A recent, comprehensive study by the Brookings Institution highlights potential downsides extending beyond simple academic dishonesty, pointing to risks of cognitive impairment and negative impacts on children’s mental wellbeing. This isn’t about fearing technology; it’s about understanding its potential consequences and proactively mitigating them.

The Brookings Report: Key Findings

The Brookings study, released in late 2025, doesn’t paint a rosy picture of unchecked AI adoption in schools. Researchers focused on the long-term effects of relying on AI for tasks that traditionally foster critical thinking and skill growth. Here’s a breakdown of the core findings:

* Reduced Critical Thinking skills: Over-reliance on AI to generate answers, write essays, or solve problems can hinder the development of essential critical thinking abilities. Children may become less adept at analyzing data, forming self-reliant judgments, and constructing their own arguments. This impacts problem-solving skills across all subjects.

* Impaired Memory and Recall: When AI handles information processing,the brain receives less stimulation for memory encoding and retrieval.This can lead to a decline in long-term retention and recall abilities – a crucial component of learning.

* Decreased Creativity and Originality: Generative AI excels at mimicking existing patterns. Constant exposure to AI-generated content may stifle a child’s own creative impulses and ability to generate truly original ideas.

* Increased Anxiety and Dependence: Students may develop anxiety around their ability to perform tasks without AI assistance. This can foster a sense of learned helplessness and dependence on technology, impacting self-confidence and motivation.

* Mental Health Concerns: the pressure to compete with AI-generated perfection, coupled with anxieties about future job displacement due to automation, can contribute to increased stress, anxiety, and even depression in young learners.

How AI Impacts Different Age Groups

The risks aren’t uniform across all age groups. The brookings report details specific vulnerabilities:

* Elementary School (Ages 5-10): At this stage,foundational skills like handwriting,basic math,and reading comprehension are crucial. AI tools that bypass these foundational steps can impede cognitive development. Early reliance on AI for storytelling or creative writing can limit a child’s inventiveness and language skills.

* Middle School (ages 11-13): This is a critical period for developing abstract thinking and problem-solving abilities. Using AI to complete assignments without genuine engagement can hinder the development of these skills.The potential for plagiarism and academic dishonesty is also heightened.

* High school (Ages 14-18): While high school students may have a greater capacity for critical analysis,the pressure to achieve high grades and college admissions can lead to excessive reliance on AI,potentially sacrificing genuine learning and intellectual growth. Concerns about future career prospects in an AI-driven world can also contribute to anxiety.

The Role of “AI Literacy” – A New Educational Imperative

the solution isn’t to ban AI from schools entirely.Instead, educators and parents need to prioritize “AI literacy” – teaching children how AI works, its limitations, and its ethical implications. This includes:

1. Understanding AI’s Biases: AI algorithms are trained on data, and that data can reflect existing societal biases.Students need to learn to critically evaluate AI-generated content and identify potential biases.
2. Developing Prompt Engineering Skills: Learning to craft effective prompts – the instructions given to AI – is a valuable skill. It encourages critical thinking and helps students understand how to elicit specific responses from AI tools.
3. Focusing on Process, Not Just Product: Educators shoudl emphasize the learning process rather than solely focusing on the final product. This means valuing effort, experimentation, and critical thinking, even if the outcome isn’t perfect.
4. Promoting Human-AI Collaboration: instead of viewing AI as a replacement for human intelligence, schools should explore ways to use AI as a tool to augment learning. Such as, AI can be used to provide personalized feedback or generate practice questions.

Real-World Examples & emerging Concerns

Several school districts across the US have already begun grappling with these issues. In late 2025, the Seattle Public Schools district reported a noticeable increase in students submitting AI-generated work, even in subjects requiring original thought. This prompted a district-wide review of assessment methods and a renewed focus on teaching critical thinking skills.

Furthermore, anecdotal evidence from school counselors suggests a rise in anxiety among students related to AI. Students express fears about being “replaced” by AI in the workforce and struggle with the pressure to constantly compete with AI-generated content.

protecting Mental Wellbeing in the Age of AI

Addressing the mental health risks associated with AI requires a multi-faceted approach:

* Open Interaction: Parents and educators need to create a safe space for students to discuss their anxieties and concerns about AI.

* Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Techniques: Teaching students mindfulness and stress reduction techniques can help them cope with the pressures of an increasingly competitive world.

* Emphasis on Human Connection: Fostering strong social connections and promoting extracurricular activities can help students build resilience and a sense of belonging.

* Counseling and Mental Health Support: Schools should ensure that students have access to adequate counseling and mental health support services.

The Brookings study serves as a crucial wake-up call.Generative AI holds immense