Four Must-Know AI Tips for Parents as Students Head Back to School

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Aug 26, 2025, 09:00 ET

Pearson empowers parents with practical tools to support student success in the age of AI

HOBOKEN, N.J., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As students head back to school, artificial intelligence is more accessible than ever, creating both new opportunities and important questions for parents. To help families navigate this landscape with confidence, Pearson, the world's lifelong learning company, today shared four essential tips for harnessing AI's full potential responsibly and building AI literacy at home.

Pearson's data shows that when AI is thoughtfully integrated into the learning process, it can be a powerful partner for curiosity and critical thinking. The key is to ensure that students use it to deepen their understanding, not as a shortcut.

Here are four essential tips for parents to discuss with their children:

Know the School's Rules. Review your school's official AI policy. Reviewing the guidelines together ensures your child understands the do's and don'ts for assignments and maintains academic integrity.
Use AI with a Purpose. Encourage your child to define their goal before they start. Are they brainstorming ideas, simplifying a complex topic, or checking their work? A clear purpose turns AI into a powerful learning aid and helps students build intentional AI literacy.
Collaborate, Don't Copy. Frame AI as a study partner, not a ghostwriter. Students can use it to refine their own ideas and arguments, but the core work and critical thinking must remain their own.
Learn the Basics Yourself. Explore generative AI tools. Understanding the fundamentals will empower you to have more confident conversations, set effective boundaries, and guide your child's use of the technology.

"AI introduces a powerful new dynamic to the learning process, offering incredible potential for personalization," said Tom ap Simon, President for Pearson Higher Education and Virtual Learning. "That's why developing AI literacy is so important—not just knowing how to use these tools, but understanding how to engage with them thoughtfully and ethically. Our goal is to help students use AI as a springboard for curiosity, creativity, and deeper learning, so they can thrive in their academic journey and as lifelong learners."

As AI continues to reshape the way students learn, Pearson has developed AI-powered tools designed to personalize the learning journey and assist educators in improving learning outcomes. This commitment to effective, responsible AI is already showing tangible results. At Connections Academy, Pearson's fully online schools, nearly 6,500 high school students who used embedded AI study tools during the 2024-2025 school year achieved significantly higher grades and pass rates—including an 11% increase in passing rates for Biology and a 7% increase for World History.

Pearson's application of generative AI is backed by learning science, vetted by subject matter experts, and shows tangible improved learning outcomes for students such as more active, engaged study and higher order cognition. With over 80% of our products now digital or digitally enabled, Pearson is committed to the responsible application of AI to enhance the teaching and learning experience for educators, students, and employers.

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About Pearson

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That's why our c. 18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world's lifelong learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. Visit us at pearsonplc.com.

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SOURCE Pearson