Teenagers are turning to chatbots like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Character.ai for a variety of reasons — but mostly for information-seeking and schoolwork help, according to the survey of teens ages 13 to 17 conducted from Sept. 25 through Oct. 9, 2025.
Many teens — about 54 percent of those surveyed — are using AI chatbots to help with schoolwork.
The survey results come as schools across the country are working to craft AI policies for students. Many teens (59 percent) think cheating with AI has become a regular feature of student life, according to Pew.
Pew Research Center asked teenagers questions like how much of their schoolwork chatbots help with, what tasks AI is used for, if they find chatbots helpful, and if they think cheating with AI is common at their school.
According to the survey results, one in 10 teens say they do all or most of their schoolwork with help from AI. Forty-five percent of teens say they don’t use AI chatbots to help with schoolwork.
Students who are using chatbots for school use it for help researching a topic or solving math problems.
New York City’s education department announced earlier this month it is planning to release new guidelines when it comes to using AI in public school classrooms. Parents will also be able to submit feedback on the guidelines.
The education department has convened two working groups on AI, which has met multiple times, the agency told Gothamist.
Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels said in an interview with WNYC in January that the department is working against the fear that’s attached to AI. He added that the agency would be announcing safeguards, while seeking ways to use AI productively.
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