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New Survey Reveals Lack of AI Education Among Teens

A recent survey conducted by Junior Achievement has shed light on a concerning trend in education—64% of teenagers believe their schools are not teaching them about artificial intelligence (AI). This data, gathered from 1,008 respondents aged 13 to 17, underscores the urgency of integrating AI literacy into academic curricula as a means of equipping students for future careers.

AI has rapidly become a pivotal facet of many industries, and its influence is expected to grow even more profound in the coming years. Despite this, a significant majority of young people feel ill-prepared to engage with this transformative technology. 60% of the surveyed teens voiced that they consider the primary goal of their education to be preparing for upcoming job opportunities, signifying a clear disconnect between their educational experiences and the skills needed in the workforce.

Tim Greinert, President of Junior Achievement USA, stated, "AI is expected to transform the world of work in the coming years. At Junior Achievement, we are committed to partnering with educational institutions to not only emphasize AI literacy but also promote essential skills such as creative thinking, collaboration, communication, and self-direction. These will be fundamental competencies for navigating the job landscape of the future."

Interestingly, the survey also revealed that 68% of the teens felt that their schools are adequately preparing them for future careers. However, the increasing use of AI in academic settings raises ethical questions. Approximately 42% of respondents admitted to having employed AI tools for school assignments instead of completing the tasks independently, a noticeable increase from the 30% reported in a similar survey conducted in the previous year. This might signal a growing reliance on AI technologies among students, complicating the narrative of learning versus cheating. In fact, 55% of teens view using AI for homework as cheating—statistics that have remained relatively stable since 2024.

The implications of these findings are substantial. As AI's role in various sectors rises, education systems must adapt accordingly to ensure students are not only aware of these technologies but also equipped with the necessary skills to use them responsibly. Moreover, this includes addressing the ethical implications of using AI tools in academic work to cultivate a generation of students who are conscientious about their learning methods.

The survey was conducted by Big Village between July 1 and July 6, 2025, ensuring participation from a diverse array of teenagers across the United States. The data highlight an alarming gap in educational relevance, especially as the workforce evolves to favor tech-savvy individuals.

Junior Achievement USA aims to bridge this gap by expanding its programs to teach essential life skills to a broader age range. With the organization already reaching over 4.6 million students per year in the U.S. and millions more globally, they are well-positioned to advocate for the inclusion of AI literacy in school curriculums.

By raising awareness and pushing for necessary curricular changes, Junior Achievement seeks to combat the gap in AI education among teens. As AI becomes integral to various job sectors, ensuring students possess both knowledge and practical skills in this area will be essential for their future employability.

In conclusion, the survey's findings point to a pressing need for educational reform to prepare students effectively for a world where AI is ubiquitous. By focusing on AI literacy and essential skill development, schools can empower the next generation to thrive in their future careers and navigate the complexities of an AI-driven workplace.