AI and Homework: The Fine Line Between Help and Cheating. Parent's Guide 2026

Your 13-year-old just got an A on their English essay. You're proud—until you notice how polished it is, how sophisticated the vocabulary seems, how unlike their usual writing style. You ask if they used AI. They say "just for ideas." But that sinking feeling in your stomach tells you there's more to the story.

You're not alone. 92% of students now use AI for their schoolwork. The question isn't whether your child is using AI—it's how they're using it, and whether that crosses the line from legitimate help to academic cheating.

The AI Homework Crisis: What Parents Need to Know Right Now

In January 2026, the Brookings Institution released a landmark report warning that "the risks of utilizing generative AI in children's education overshadow its benefits" under current conditions. After interviewing over 500 students, teachers, and parents across 50 countries, the researchers reached a sobering conclusion: we're conducting a massive, real-time experiment on our children's education—and we have no idea how it's going to turn out.

Here's what we do know:

The Statistics Are Staggering:

• 88% of students now use generative AI tools like ChatGPT for assessments, up from 53% just last year
• 92% of students use AI in their studies according to a 2025 study by the Higher Education Policy Institute
• Nearly 1 in 5 students leave unedited AI content in their work
• 69% of high school students reported using ChatGPT to help with school assignments and homework in May 2025
• 50% of students said they are worried they will be falsely accused of using AI to cheat

The Concerns Are Real: Cognitive off-loading is happening at scale, where students increasingly off-load their own thinking onto technology, leading to cognitive decline or atrophy. Rebecca Winthrop, one of the Brookings report's authors, warns that "when kids use generative AI that tells them what the answer is … they are not thinking for themselves. They're not learning to parse truth from fiction."

And It's Getting Worse: 16% of teachers said erosion of trust between students and teachers due to AI is "a significant concern," with teachers trusting students less when they suspect AI use.

So how do you navigate this? How do you let your child benefit from AI's educational potential without letting them shortcut their way out of actually learning?

This guide will help you understand exactly where the line is—and how to make sure your child stays on the right side of it.

What Actually Counts as Cheating with AI?

This is the question keeping parents, teachers, and school administrators up at night. The answer isn't always black and white, but there are clear principles that can guide you.

The Three-Question Test

Ask yourself (and your child) these three questions about any AI use for homework:

1. Is the student doing the thinking?

• If AI is generating ideas and the student is just copying them → Cheating
• If the student is generating ideas and using AI to refine them → Likely okay

2. Is the student learning the skill the assignment is meant to teach?

• If a math assignment is meant to teach problem-solving, and AI solves the problem → Cheating
• If a writing assignment is meant to teach research, and AI is used for brainstorming topics → Likely okay

3. Would the teacher accept this if they knew exactly how AI was used?

• If your child would hide or lie about their AI use → Cheating
• If they'd be comfortable explaining their process → Likely okay

The Cheating Spectrum: From Clear to Gray

🔴 DEFINITELY CHEATING:

1. Having AI write entire assignments
   • Copying and pasting AI-generated essays, reports, or answers
   • Nearly 1 in 5 students leave unedited AI content in their work
   • Example: Asking ChatGPT to "write a 5-paragraph essay on the causes of World War I" and turning it in unchanged
2. Using AI during tests or exams
   • 31% of teachers say students use AI chatbots during exams, including using the voice feature
   • Using phone to ask AI for answers during closed-book assessments
   • Example: Taking a picture of a test question and asking AI for the answer
3. Having AI solve problems without showing work
   • Using AI problem-solvers to get answers for math, science, or coding without understanding the process
   • Example: Using AI to solve calculus problems and just writing down the final answer
4. Misrepresenting AI-generated work as original thought
   • Claiming AI's ideas, arguments, or analysis as your own original thinking
   • Example: Using AI to develop a thesis statement and argument structure, then writing it as if you thought of it yourself

🟡 GRAY AREA (Check with teachers/school policy):

1. Using AI for brainstorming and idea generation
   • Some teachers welcome this; others consider it cheating
   • Depends on whether "coming up with ideas" is the skill being taught
   • Example: Asking AI "what are some creative angles for an essay about climate change?"
2. Using AI for grammar and spell-checking
   • Similar to Grammarly, but AI can go much further
   • 25% of students use Grammarly to check grammar, improve writing quality, and edit assignments
   • May be okay for polishing but not for restructuring arguments
   • Example: Running your essay through AI to fix typos vs. having it rewrite your sentences
3. Using AI to explain concepts you don't understand
   • This can be legitimate learning or can replace the work of struggling through material
   • Depends on whether the assignment is "learn this concept" or "demonstrate you already know it"
   • Example: Using AI to understand a difficult passage in a novel before writing about it
4. Using AI as a study partner or tutor
   • Can be highly valuable for learning if used correctly
   • Becomes cheating if AI does your thinking rather than guides your thinking
   • Example: Having AI quiz you on material vs. having AI tell you what will be on the test

🟢 GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE (But always verify with teachers):

1. Using AI for research and fact-checking
   • Finding sources, verifying dates, looking up definitions
   • Similar to using Google or an encyclopedia
   • Must still cite sources and verify information
   • Example: "What year did the Civil Rights Act pass?" or "What's the capital of Moldova?"
2. Using AI to organize thoughts or create outlines
   • As long as the ideas are yours and you're just organizing them
   • Like using index cards or mind-mapping tools
   • Example: "Here are my 10 ideas about the book. Help me organize them into categories."
3. Using AI for technical help (formatting, citations, etc.)
   • How to create a bibliography, format a lab report, structure a presentation
   • Procedural help rather than content generation
   • Example: "How do I format an MLA citation for a website?" or "What sections go in a lab report?"
4. Using AI to learn background information on a topic
   • Building foundational knowledge before tackling an assignment
   • Like reading background articles or watching educational videos
   • Example: "Explain what the French Revolution was about before I read this chapter"

What Schools Are Saying

As of spring 2025, 35% of district leaders reported that they provide students with training on AI, meaning a significant proportion of students use AI tools without institutional guidance.

Just 10% of schools and universities have formal AI guidelines, showing that most institutions still lack clear rules for AI use.

This means many students are navigating these decisions without clear guidance from schools. As a parent, you need to:

1. Check your school's specific AI policy (if one exists)
2. Ask your child's teachers directly about their expectations
3. Establish your own family rules based on your values around learning and integrity
4. Teach your child to always err on the side of disclosure when in doubt

The Golden Rule

If you're not sure whether AI use is okay, ask the teacher before the assignment is due.

This simple act accomplishes multiple things:

• Shows integrity and good judgment
• Builds trust with teachers
• Clarifies expectations
• Models the real-world skill of knowing when to ask for guidance

Most teachers will appreciate the question and respect the student who asks—even if the answer is "no, you can't use AI for this."

The Cognitive Cost: What Your Child Loses When AI Does the Thinking

This is where the Brookings report gets truly alarming. It's not just about academic honesty—it's about what's happening to our children's developing brains.

The "Doom Loop" of AI Dependence

The report describes a kind of doom loop of AI dependence, where students increasingly off-load their own thinking onto the technology, leading to cognitive decline or atrophy more commonly associated with aging brains.

Here's how it works:

Stage 1: Convenience

• Student uses AI to save time on a tedious assignment
• Gets quick results, feels efficient and smart
• Receives praise for good work

Stage 2: Reliance

• Starts using AI more regularly because it works so well
• Begins to struggle more when AI isn't available
• Notices that thinking through problems on their own feels harder than it used to

Stage 3: Dependence

• Can't imagine completing work without AI
• Critical thinking skills haven't developed (or have atrophied)
• Anxiety when faced with AI-free situations, standardized tests, college, real-world problems

Stage 4: Cognitive Atrophy

• Loses the ability to engage deeply with complex material
• Can't parse nuance, evaluate arguments, or think critically
• Mental "muscles" have weakened from disuse

What Research Shows We're Losing

1. Critical Thinking and Reasoning When a recent study trained AI models on "brain rot" content (low-quality, trivial social media posts), reasoning scores fell from 74.9 to 57.2 on complex puzzle tasks, and memory and long-context understanding declined from 84.4 to 52.3. The same thing happens to human brains when we shortcut the thinking process.

2. Problem-Solving Skills Your child's brain learns to solve problems by actually solving problems—struggling, failing, trying again. When AI does this work, those neural pathways never get built. It's like trying to build muscle without ever lifting weights.

3. Ability to Handle Frustration and Cognitive Load Learning is supposed to be hard sometimes. The struggle is the point—it's where growth happens. When students use AI to avoid difficulty, they never develop the tolerance for cognitive load that's essential for deep learning and complex work.

4. Parsing Truth from Fiction Rebecca Winthrop warns that when kids rely on AI, "they're not learning to parse truth from fiction. They're not learning to understand what makes a good argument. They're not learning about different perspectives in the world because they're actually not engaging in the material."

5. Development of Personal Voice and Original Thought Every time AI generates text for your child, they miss an opportunity to develop their own voice, their own way of expressing ideas. This is not just about writing—it's about identity formation.

6. Trust in Their Own Abilities 61% of parents, 48% of middle schoolers, and 55% of high schoolers agreed that greater use of AI will harm students' critical-thinking skills. Students themselves are worried about becoming dependent—and that worry is justified.

Why This Matters More Than Grades

Here's the uncomfortable truth: your child might get better grades using AI. They might finish homework faster, produce more polished work, and seem more successful.

But they're not actually learning.

And eventually, that catches up with them:

• Standardized tests where AI isn't allowed
• Job interviews where they need to think on their feet
• College where professors expect independent thought
• Real life where Google can't solve complex human problems

The skills that AI is preventing them from developing—critical thinking, problem-solving, persistence, creativity—are exactly the skills that will matter most in their future.

The Brain Is a Muscle: Use It or Lose It

Think of your child's brain like any other developing muscle. If you always:

• Carried them instead of letting them walk → Their legs wouldn't develop properly
• Fed them pre-chewed food → They'd never learn to chew
• Gave them a calculator before they learned math → They wouldn't understand numbers

Using AI to do your child's thinking is the same principle. The brain builds connections through use. Skip the struggle, skip the growth.

The Brookings report found that at this point in AI's trajectory, the risks of utilizing generative AI in children's education overshadow its benefits.

But here's the good news: the damages are fixable. Researchers say that while AI is doing damage, the wounds are "fixable" and that adults "should neither capitulate to these harms nor focus solely on limiting their repercussions".

We can teach kids to use AI as a tool that enhances their thinking, not replaces it.

Red Flags Your Child Is Using AI to Cheat

As a parent, you might not know all the ways AI can be used for homework. But you can watch for warning signs that your child has crossed the line from help to cheating.

Academic Red Flags

🚩 Sudden improvement in quality without improvement in understanding

• Their essay is sophisticated, but they can't explain the main argument
• Their math homework is perfect, but they struggle to solve similar problems
• Their vocabulary is suddenly way above their usual level
• They get A's on homework but C's on in-class work or tests

🚩 Work doesn't match their voice or style

• The writing doesn't sound like them
• They use phrases or references they wouldn't normally use
• Inconsistency between different assignments (some sound like them, others don't)
• Older siblings or parents notice "this doesn't sound like you"

🚩 They can't explain their work process

• Vague answers when you ask "how did you figure this out?"
• Can't walk you through their thinking or reasoning
• Says things like "I don't know, it just came to me" for complex ideas
• Unable to reproduce similar work without their computer

🚩 Speed doesn't match complexity

• Finishes complex assignments suspiciously quickly
• Used to take 2 hours, now takes 20 minutes
• Completes work that should require research without using books or credible sources
• Homework that requires multiple drafts appears to have only one

🚩 Overreliance on technology for simple tasks

• Can't do basic work without a device
• Panics when asked to work on paper
• Always needs to "check" things on their laptop
• More anxious about homework than they used to be

Behavioral Red Flags

🚩 Secretiveness about their work process

• Closes their laptop when you enter the room
• Defensive when you ask about homework
• Won't let you read their work before they submit it
• Deletes browser history or chat logs regularly

🚩 Changes in work habits

• Used to study in common areas, now only works alone in their room
• Won't let you help or see their drafts anymore
• Unusual attachment to their phone during homework time
• Multiple devices out while working

🚩 Disconnection from their schoolwork

• Can't talk about what they're learning
• Doesn't remember details of books they've "read"
• No emotional connection to projects or assignments
• Seems bored or disengaged with school despite good grades

🚩 Anxiety around AI-free situations

• Excessive stress about in-class essays or tests
• Avoids activities that require independent thinking
• Complains more about assignments that can't use AI
• Panic when you suggest unplugged study time

Trust Red Flags

🚩 Dishonesty or evasiveness about AI use

• Says they "didn't use AI" but you found ChatGPT in their history
• Admits to "a little" AI help but is vague about details
• Changes their story when pressed
• Gets angry or defensive when you express concern

🚩 Justification and rationalization

• "Everyone does it"
• "The teacher doesn't care"
• "This is just how people work now"
• "I'm just using it like a tutor"
• "I only used it for ideas" (but can't explain those ideas)

🚩 Moral confusion about cheating

• Doesn't seem to understand why you're concerned
• 54% of college students believe that using AI tools to complete assignments is cheating, but 21% believe it's not cheating, and 25% don't have a view on it
• Blames the school/teacher for "not being clear"
• Argues that AI use is actually a valuable skill they're developing

What to Look For Specifically

In their documents:

• Inconsistent formatting or fonts within a document
• Tell-tale AI phrases like "delve into," "it's important to note," "landscape of," "tapestry of," or overly formal transitions
• Perfect grammar even though they usually make specific mistakes
• No revision history (if using Google Docs) or a suspicious revision pattern

In their browser/app history (if you have monitoring set up):

• ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Character AI, or similar tools open during homework time
• AI detection bypass tools like "undetectable.ai" or "humanizer.ai"
• Searches for things like "best AI for essays," "how to avoid AI detection," or "ChatGPT homework help"
• Paraphrasing tools or "AI rewriters"

In conversations with teachers:

• Teacher mentions work doesn't match in-class performance
• Teacher expresses concern about possible AI use
• Your child is doing worse on assessments that can't use AI
• Teacher notices the student can't discuss or defend their work

The Conversation You Must Have If You See Red Flags

If you notice several of these warning signs, it's time for a serious conversation. But approach it carefully:

DON'T:

• Accuse immediately
• Get angry before you understand the full situation
• Punish before you've taught them why it matters
• Focus only on grades or punishment

DO:

• Express concern and curiosity, not accusation
• Ask them to explain their work process in detail
• Share specific observations without judgment
• Explain the cognitive costs (show them the research)
• Set clear expectations going forward
• Establish consequences for continued dishonest use

Remember: 50% of students said they are worried they will be falsely accused of using AI to cheat. Some students are using AI appropriately and are scared they'll be punished anyway. Make sure you understand the situation before reacting.

How HeyOtto Teaches Instead of Cheats

Here's the fundamental problem with using ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude for homework: they were built to complete tasks, not to teach.

When your child asks ChatGPT "write me an essay about the American Revolution," it does exactly that. It completes the task. Your child learns nothing.

HeyOtto was designed differently—from the ground up to be an educational tool that guides learning without replacing thinking.

The Socratic Method: Teaching Through Questions

Instead of providing answers, Otto asks questions that lead students to discover answers themselves.

Example: Traditional AI vs. Otto

Student: "What's the theme of To Kill a Mockingbird?"

ChatGPT: "The main themes of To Kill a Mockingbird include racial injustice, moral growth, and the coexistence of good and evil. The novel explores how prejudice can corrupt the justice system and how children lose their innocence as they confront the harsh realities of adult society..."

[Student copies this and learns nothing about how to analyze literature]

Otto: "Great question! Before I tell you my thoughts, what themes have you noticed as you've been reading? Were there any scenes or characters that seemed especially important to understanding what the book is really about?"

[Student is forced to engage with the material and think independently]

The difference? One completes the task. The other builds the skill.

Scaffolded Learning: The Training Wheels Approach

Otto doesn't just refuse to give answers—it provides the right level of support based on where the student is in their learning journey.

Early Stage (High Support):

• Breaks down complex problems into manageable steps
• Provides examples and analogies
• Asks guided questions with hints
• Offers encouragement and celebrates thinking process

Middle Stage (Medium Support):

• Asks clarifying questions when student gets stuck
• Points out errors without solving them
• Provides frameworks and structure
• Connects new concepts to things student already knows

Advanced Stage (Low Support):

• Acts as a sounding board for student's own ideas
• Asks challenging questions that push deeper thinking
• Helps organize and refine already-developed thoughts
• Provides critique and feedback on reasoning

This is exactly how a great human tutor works—providing just enough support that the student can succeed, but never so much that they stop thinking.

Transparency: Parents See Everything

Unlike ChatGPT where conversations are private and easily deleted, every interaction your child has with Otto is visible in your parent dashboard.

You can:

• Read full conversation histories in real-time
• See what questions they're asking and how Otto responds
• Receive alerts if concerning patterns emerge
• Review their work process before they submit assignments
• Celebrate when they use AI appropriately to deepen learning

This creates natural accountability:

• Students know parents can see their conversations
• Encourages honest use rather than sneaky shortcuts
• Allows you to recognize and praise good AI use
• Makes it easy to catch and address problematic use early

Built-In Boundaries for Homework Integrity

Otto has specific safeguards designed to prevent cheating while enabling learning:

Otto will NOT:

• Write full essays, reports, or assignments
• Solve math problems without teaching the process
• Provide answers that should come from the student's own thinking
• Do the student's work for them

Otto WILL:

• Explain concepts the student doesn't understand
• Ask questions that guide the student to insights
• Help students organize their own ideas
• Provide feedback on student-generated work
• Teach research skills and critical thinking
• Help students check their own work

Example of Otto's Boundaries in Action:

Student: "Write me a 5-paragraph essay on climate change."

Otto: "I can't write your essay for you because that wouldn't help you learn! But I can definitely help you plan and organize your thoughts. Let's start with these questions:

1. What specific aspect of climate change interests you most?
2. What do you already know about this topic?
3. What questions do you still have?
4. Who is your audience and what do you want them to understand?

Once you've thought about these, I can help you create an outline based on YOUR ideas."

Age-Adaptive Guidance

Otto adjusts its teaching style based on the child's age and developmental level:

Elementary School (Ages 5-10):

• Very simple, encouraging language
• Concrete examples and analogies
• Celebrates effort and curiosity
• Focuses on building confidence and love of learning

Middle School (Ages 11-13):

• Balances support with gentle challenges
• Helps develop organizational and study skills
• Encourages independence while providing scaffolding
• Builds metacognitive skills (thinking about thinking)

High School (Ages 14-18):

• More sophisticated questioning and analysis
• Prepares for college-level work
• Focuses on critical thinking and argument evaluation
• Respects growing independence while maintaining guardrails

Real Examples of Learning vs. Cheating

❌ Cheating with ChatGPT: Student: "Explain the causes of World War I" ChatGPT: [Provides complete explanation] Student: [Copies into assignment] Result: Assignment complete, zero learning

✅ Learning with Otto: Student: "Explain the causes of World War I" Otto: "That's a complex question! World War I had many causes. Before I share my thoughts, I'm curious—what have you learned from your textbook or class about why the war started?" Student: "Something about alliances and an assassination?" Otto: "Great start! You're right about both. Let's explore those. Why do you think alliances between countries might make a small conflict turn into a huge war?" Student: [Thinks through the logic of alliances] Otto: "Exactly! Now you're thinking like a historian. Let's talk about that assassination you mentioned..." Result: Student develops understanding, can explain concepts, learns historical thinking

The Homework Time Difference

With unrestricted AI (ChatGPT):

• Homework takes 15 minutes instead of 60 minutes
• Student multitasks, watches YouTube while "working"
• Zero cognitive effort required
• High output, zero learning

With Otto:

• Homework still takes meaningful time
• Student must engage and think
• Cognitive effort required for every answer
• Quality output AND genuine learning

This is the key difference: Otto doesn't make homework easier—it makes learning more effective.

Features That Support Honest AI Use

1. Homework Integrity Mode Parents can enable a special setting for homework time where:

• Otto provides extra scaffolding and questioning
• Refuses to generate completed work
• Logs all interactions for parent review
• Provides real-time alerts if student tries to bypass guidelines

2. Assignment-Specific Settings Before starting homework, students or parents can:

• Select the type of assignment (essay, math, research, etc.)
• Set learning objectives
• Define what help is appropriate vs. off-limits
• Establish how much support Otto should provide

3. Learning Reports for Parents Weekly summaries showing:

• What subjects/topics your child sought help with
• Types of questions they asked
• How much support Otto provided
• Areas where they show strong understanding vs. struggle
• Patterns that might indicate problems

4. Teacher Collaboration Features Otto can integrate with school AI policies:

• Parents can share teacher guidelines with Otto
• Otto adapts to specific assignment requirements
• Can generate logs showing how AI was used for any assignment
• Helps students follow school-specific AI rules

The Result: Skills That Transfer

When students use Otto appropriately, they develop:

• Critical thinking: Because Otto makes them think
• Problem-solving: Because Otto guides rather than solves
• Independence: Because Otto scaffolds toward self-sufficiency
• Integrity: Because honesty is built into the system
• AI literacy: Because they learn to use AI as a tool, not a crutch

These are the exact skills they'll need in college, career, and life—where the ability to think independently will matter far more than the ability to prompt AI.

The Conversation: What to Say to Your Child About AI Use

You can have all the rules and monitoring in the world, but the most important thing is having an open, honest dialogue with your child about AI and homework. Here's how to have that conversation effectively.

Timing: Don't Wait for a Crisis

Have this conversation before there's a problem. The best time is:

• Right now (if you haven't already)
• At the start of a new school year
• When your child starts using AI for any purpose
• Before a particularly challenging class or assignment

Don't wait until you've caught them cheating or their grades suddenly jump. Prevention through education is far more effective than punishment after the fact.

Setting the Tone: Curiosity, Not Accusation

Start with curiosity: "I've been reading about how most students are using AI for homework now, and I'm curious about your experience. How are you using it? What do your friends do?"

Not with accusation: "Are you using ChatGPT to cheat on your homework?" [This makes them defensive and likely to lie]

Your goal in this conversation is to:

• Build trust
• Understand their perspective
• Share your concerns
• Set clear expectations together
• Establish yourself as a resource, not just an enforcer

What to Say: Scripts for Different Ages

For Elementary School (Ages 8-12):

"You know how sometimes I use Google to look up a recipe or ask Siri to set a timer? There are new computer programs called AI that can answer questions and even write things. Some kids are starting to use them for homework.

Here's what I want you to know: It's okay to ask questions when you're learning something new. But the reason you do homework isn't just to get it done—it's to practice skills and learn things. If a computer does your homework for you, you don't actually learn, even if you get a good grade.

If you ever want to use AI to help with homework, come talk to me first. We'll figure out together if it's the right tool for what you need to learn. Deal?"

For Middle School (Ages 11-14):

"I know you and your friends probably know about ChatGPT and other AI tools. They're really impressive, and they're not going away. But I want to talk about using them for schoolwork.

Here's the thing: I care way more about you actually learning than I care about your grades. If you use AI to get good grades without learning, you're not just cheating your teacher—you're cheating yourself out of building skills you'll need.

Let's talk about when AI use makes sense and when it crosses a line. What are your thoughts? Have your teachers said anything about this?"

[Listen to their perspective, then continue...]

"Here's what I'm comfortable with: [be specific about your rules]. And here's what I'm not okay with: [be specific]. If you're ever not sure, just ask me before you use it. I promise I won't be mad at you for asking—I'll be proud that you're thinking about it carefully.

The goal isn't to avoid AI forever. The goal is to learn to use it as a tool that makes you smarter, not a crutch that makes you lazier. Make sense?"

For High School (Ages 14-18):

"Let's have an adult conversation about AI and schoolwork. I know you're well aware of ChatGPT and similar tools, and I know most students are using them.

I'm not going to pretend AI doesn't exist or that you'll never use it. In fact, learning to use AI effectively is going to be important for your future. But I want to talk about the difference between using AI as a tool versus using it as a crutch.

You're at a critical point in your education where you're developing skills that will matter for the rest of your life—critical thinking, analysis, writing, problem-solving. Every time you let AI do that work for you, you miss an opportunity to build those capabilities.

I've been reading about cognitive offloading and how students who rely on AI too much are struggling in college and beyond. I don't want that to be you. So let's talk about what you're comfortable with, what your school allows, and how we can use AI in a way that helps you learn rather than replacing your learning.

I trust you to make good decisions, but I also want you to know I'm here to help you think through tough calls. What's your take on all this?"

[Listen, validate their perspective, then establish clear guidelines together]

The Key Points to Cover

No matter your child's age, make sure the conversation includes:

1. The "Why" Behind Homework Explain that homework isn't busywork—it's practice that builds neural pathways. Using AI to skip that practice is like expecting to get strong without ever exercising.

2. The Long-Term Consequences Share the research about cognitive decline and the students who struggle in college because they never learned to think independently.

3. Your Family Values Around Learning This isn't just about following school rules—it's about intellectual integrity and genuine learning being important to your family.

4. Clear Examples of Acceptable vs. Unacceptable Use Don't be vague. Give specific scenarios:

• "Using AI to quiz yourself for a test? Great!"
• "Using AI to write your essay? Not okay."
• "Using AI to explain a concept you don't understand? Perfect!"
• "Using AI to solve math problems without understanding the steps? Cheating."

5. The "When in Doubt" Rule If they're ever unsure whether AI use is appropriate, they should:

1. Ask the teacher first, or
2. Ask you, or
3. Err on the side of not using it

6. Consequences for Dishonest Use Be clear about what happens if you discover they've been cheating:

• Not just punishment, but addressing the underlying issue
• Possible restrictions on device use
• Conversations with teachers
• Most importantly: mandatory switch to monitored AI like HeyOtto

7. Your Support and Non-Judgment for Questions Emphasize that you will never be angry if they ask whether something is okay—in fact, you'll be proud they're thinking critically about it.

Responses to Common Pushback

"But everyone does it!" "I know it feels like everyone is doing it, and that makes it really hard to make a different choice. But just because something is common doesn't make it right. And honestly? Not everyone is doing it—there are plenty of students who are using AI responsibly or not at all. More importantly, I care about what's best for YOUR learning, not what everyone else is doing."

"Teachers don't even care / can't tell anyway" "First, that's probably not true—teachers are getting better at detecting AI use. But more importantly, whether the teacher can tell isn't the point. The point is whether YOU are learning. If you're using AI to cheat, you know it, and you're the one who pays the price when you get to situations where you can't use AI and you realize you never learned the skills."

"This is just how people work now—everyone uses AI" "You're right that AI is how people work now. But there's a difference between using AI to enhance your work and using AI to replace your thinking. Professionals use AI as a tool—they still need to bring their own expertise, judgment, and critical thinking. If you never develop those skills because you let AI do the thinking, you won't have anything to bring when you're an adult."

"The assignments are boring/pointless anyway" "I hear you that the work feels boring sometimes. But here's the thing—even boring practice builds important skills. Athletes do boring drills because they work. Musicians practice boring scales because they have to. Sometimes the process matters more than the content. That said, if you're consistently finding schoolwork boring, let's talk about why and whether we need to address that with your teacher."

"Using AI is a skill I need for the future" "You're absolutely right that AI literacy is an important skill. And I want you to learn to use AI well. But learning to use AI well means learning when to use it and when NOT to use it. It means using it to extend your thinking, not replace it. Let's figure out how you can develop both skills—the ability to think independently AND the ability to use AI as a powerful tool."

Make It a Dialogue, Not a Lecture

After you've shared your thoughts, ask questions:

• "What do you think about all this?"
• "Have you talked about this with your friends?"
• "What do your teachers say?"
• "Have you felt pressure to use AI even when you didn't want to?"
• "Is there anything about your homework that's making it feel overwhelming?"
• "What rules seem fair to you?"

Listen to their answers. Validate their concerns. Adjust your approach based on what you learn.

The goal is to end this conversation with:

1. Clear mutual understanding of expectations
2. Your child feeling heard and respected
3. Trust that they can come to you with questions
4. A plan for moving forward together

Setting Homework AI Boundaries That Actually Work

Having the conversation is step one. Now you need to implement actual systems and boundaries that support honest AI use. Here's how to make it work in practice.

Create a Family AI Use Agreement

Don't just tell your child the rules—create them together. Sit down and draft an actual written agreement that you both sign. This makes expectations clear and gives your child ownership of the rules.

Sample Family AI Use Agreement Template:

FAMILY AI USE AGREEMENT

We, [Parent names] and [Child name], agree to the following guidelines for using AI tools for homework and schoolwork:

ALLOWED AI USES:
□ Explaining concepts I don't understand
□ Quizzing myself for tests
□ Brainstorming ideas (but I must develop them myself)
□ Checking grammar and spelling
□ Help organizing my thoughts (outlines, etc.)
□ Looking up facts and definitions
□ [Other specific uses we've agreed on]

NOT ALLOWED AI USES:
□ Writing essays, paragraphs, or assignments for me
□ Solving math problems without teaching me the process
□ Completing take-home tests or quizzes
□ Generating ideas I claim as my own original thinking
□ Any use during closed-book exams
□ [Other specific prohibitions]

GRAY AREAS (Must ask parent or teacher first):
□ [Specific situations you want your child to check about]

WHEN IN DOUBT:
I will ask my parent or teacher BEFORE using AI, not after.

MONITORING:
I understand that:
□ My parent may review my AI chat history
□ I will use HeyOtto or approved platforms only
□ I will keep a log of how I used AI for major assignments
□ I will be honest about my AI use if asked

CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATION:
First time: [e.g., conversation and reflection on why it was wrong]
Second time: [e.g., loss of AI access for homework for 2 weeks]
Third time: [e.g., device restrictions and mandatory use of supervised AI only]

COMMITMENT:
I understand that these rules are to help me learn and develop important skills, not to punish me. I commit to honest AI use and asking questions when unsure.

Student signature: _______________ Date: _______
Parent signature: _______________ Date: _______

REVIEW DATE: [Schedule a date to review and update this agreement, maybe each semester]

Implement Technical Boundaries

Beyond agreements, put systems in place that make cheating harder and accountability easier.

1. Use Monitored AI Platforms

• Switch from ChatGPT to HeyOtto or similar platforms with parental controls
• Set up your parent dashboard and actually check it regularly (weekly minimum)
• Enable alerts for concerning behavior
• Review conversation logs before major assignments are submitted

2. Set Up Device Restrictions For younger kids or those who've violated trust:

• Homework happens on family computer in common area, not alone in bedroom
• Install monitoring software (with child's knowledge, not secretly)
• Block access to unmonitored AI tools during homework time
• Use browser extensions that log AI use

3. Create Physical Boundaries

• Designated homework space where you can see the screen
• "Phone in basket" rule during homework time (especially important for avoiding ChatGPT on mobile)
• Chromebook/laptop closed during think-time or planning stages
• Use paper and pencil for initial brainstorming, then type later

4. Establish Time Boundaries

• Certain homework must be done without devices first (reading, planning, initial problem-solving)
• AI access only allowed after showing work-in-progress to parent
• Time limits on AI use per assignment (e.g., 15 minutes max)
• Scheduled "unplugged homework hours" where no AI is permitted

Create Natural Check-Ins

Make it normal for you to be involved in homework in ways that make dishonest AI use difficult:

Before assignments:

• "What's this assignment asking you to do?"
• "What's your plan for tackling this?"
• "What do you think will be the hardest part?"

During assignments:

• "How's it going? Want to talk through what you're thinking?"
• "Show me what you've got so far."
• "Walk me through how you solved that problem."

After assignments:

• "Tell me about your essay/project/assignment. What was your main point?"
• "What did you learn from doing this?"
• "If you had to do it again, what would you do differently?"

If they can't answer these questions clearly, that's a red flag that they didn't actually do the thinking.

Age-Appropriate Boundaries

Elementary School (Ages 8-12):

• ALL AI use requires parent present and monitoring
• AI only used for approved learning purposes (not homework completion)
• Parent reviews every conversation
• Focus on building learning habits before introducing AI

Middle School (Ages 11-14):

• AI allowed for approved uses, but parent checks history weekly
• Major assignments require showing work-in-progress
• Random check-ins where child explains their process
• Parent approval required for any new AI tools

High School (Ages 14-18):

• More independence, but with accountability
• Parent access to AI chat history maintained
• Required disclosure of AI use on major assignments
• Trust-but-verify approach: random checks and conversations
• Clear consequences for violations that respect their growing maturity

The "AI Use Log" for Major Assignments

For important papers, projects, or assignments, require your child to keep a log:

Assignment: [Name]
Date: [Date]
AI Tool Used: [e.g., HeyOtto, ChatGPT, None]

How I Used AI:
[Detailed description of every interaction with AI]

What AI Generated:
[Specific quotes or outputs from AI]

How I Used AI's Input:
[What they did with the AI's suggestions]

What I Did Without AI:
[All the thinking/work that was entirely theirs]

Time spent with AI: ___ minutes
Time spent without AI: ___ minutes

Student signature: _______________

This serves multiple purposes:

• Makes students think critically about their AI use
• Creates documentation if teacher asks
• Helps students see patterns in their own AI reliance
• Gives you clear insight into how they're working

Consequences That Teach, Not Just Punish

If your child violates the boundaries:

First Violation (Minor):

• Conversation about why it was wrong
• Required reflection writing: "Why is cognitive offloading harmful to my learning?"
• Review and revision of Family AI Use Agreement
• Closer monitoring for next few assignments

Second Violation or First Major Violation:

• Loss of independent AI access for homework (must use HeyOtto with parent present)
• Required use of "AI Use Log" for all assignments for a set period
• Letter to teacher (if appropriate) acknowledging the mistake
• Research assignment: read articles about AI and academic integrity, write summary

Third Violation or Serious Cheating:

• Complete AI ban for homework (or supervised access only)
• Device restrictions beyond just homework
• Conversation with teacher about academic integrity
• May need to redo assignments that were completed dishonestly
• Counseling if pattern indicates deeper issues (anxiety, perfectionism, etc.)

The key: Consequences should always include understanding WHY the behavior was wrong, not just punishment for punishment's sake.

Regular Reviews and Adjustments

Monthly: Quick conversation about how it's going Quarterly: Review and potentially update the Family AI Use Agreement Yearly: Major discussion about AI use maturity and potentially adjusted boundaries

As your child demonstrates responsible use, you can gradually increase independence. If problems arise, you can tighten boundaries temporarily.

What Success Looks Like

You'll know your boundaries are working when:

• Your child proactively asks if an AI use is okay
• They can clearly explain their thinking process on assignments
• In-class performance matches homework quality
• They express pride in work they did themselves
• They come to you with honest questions about gray areas
• Teachers report engaged, thoughtful work
• Your child can work independently without AI and doesn't panic

The goal is NOT to eliminate AI use entirely—it's to ensure AI enhances learning rather than replaces it.

Working With Teachers on AI Policies

You're not in this alone. Your child's teachers are navigating the same challenges, often with limited guidance from their schools. Here's how to partner effectively with teachers around AI use.

The Current State of School AI Policies

First, understand what teachers are dealing with:

Only 10% of schools and universities have formal AI guidelines, which shows that most institutions still lack clear rules for AI use.

As of spring 2025, 35% of district leaders reported that they provide students with training on AI.

16% of teachers said erosion of trust between students and teachers is "a significant concern" due to AI.

Translation: Most teachers are making this up as they go, just like you. They're overwhelmed, under-resourced, and often haven't received adequate training on AI in education.

Start With Questions, Not Assumptions

Email or talk to your child's teachers:

"Hi [Teacher name],

I'm trying to help [child name] navigate AI use for homework in a responsible way. I want to make sure they're following your expectations and using AI in ways that support learning rather than replace it.

Could you share: - Your policy on AI use for assignments in your class? - What types of AI assistance you consider acceptable vs. not acceptable? - Whether you'd like students to disclose AI use on assignments? - Any specific tools or approaches you recommend?

I want to make sure my expectations at home align with yours at school.

Thank you, [Your name]"

What If There's No Clear Policy?

Many teachers won't have a clear answer. In that case, you can:

1. Share Your Approach "Since the school doesn't have formal guidelines yet, here's what we're doing at home: [explain your family rules]. Does this seem reasonable to you? Would you add or change anything?"

2. Offer to Help "I know this is new for everyone. If it would be helpful, I'd be happy to have [child name] document their AI use on assignments so you can see how they're using it. Would that be useful to you?"

3. Request Clarification on Specific Assignments "For the upcoming essay, would you prefer that students not use AI at all, or is it okay for brainstorming and organization as long as the writing is their own?"

Red Flags in Teacher Responses

🚩 "I don't care if they use AI" This often means the teacher hasn't thought it through. Follow up with: "I appreciate the flexibility, but I want to make sure my child is actually learning. Would you be comfortable if they used AI to write the entire assignment, or should they just use it for certain parts?"

🚩 "There's no way to stop them anyway" This is teacher burnout talking. Your response: "I understand it's hard to police, but I want to teach my child to use AI responsibly. Can we agree on what 'responsible use' looks like for your class?"

🚩 "Just don't tell me about it" This is a teacher asking you to be complicit in creating a gray area. Problematic. Push for clarity: "I appreciate you wanting to keep things simple, but I need clear guidelines so I can teach my child integrity. Can we establish some basic boundaries?"

What to Share With Teachers

If teachers are receptive, you can be a resource:

Share research:

• The Brookings report findings about cognitive decline
• Statistics on student AI use
• Resources on teaching AI literacy

Share what's working:

• "We've found that having [child] explain their work process really helps ensure they're not just copying AI"
• "Using HeyOtto instead of ChatGPT gives me visibility into how they're using AI"

Offer feedback:

• "The assignment you gave where students had to [specific detail] really helped my child learn instead of just using AI"
• "I noticed my child struggled to use AI appropriately on [assignment type] - might be worth some in-class guidance"

When Teachers and Parents Disagree

Teacher is too permissive / You want stricter rules: "I understand that's your classroom policy, and I respect that. At home, we're going to have some additional guidelines because we want to make sure [child] is building strong learning habits. I'll make sure they still meet all your assignment requirements."

Then implement your family rules regardless of school policy.

Teacher is too strict / You think some AI use is reasonable: "I respect your no-AI policy, and we'll certainly follow it. I'm curious about your reasoning—is it about academic integrity, or about ensuring skill development, or something else? I want to help my child understand the 'why' behind the rule."

Then support the teacher's policy while having separate conversations at home about nuanced AI use in other contexts.

Advocating for School-Wide AI Policies

If your school lacks clear guidelines, consider advocating for them:

1. Talk to the principal or superintendent "I've noticed there's confusion among students and parents about AI use. Would the school consider developing clear guidelines? I'd be happy to help or serve on a committee."

2. Connect with other parents Bring it up at PTA meetings or parent forums. Often administrators don't act until they realize it's a widespread concern.

3. Share resources The Teach AI framework, a collaborative effort across multiple education organizations led by Code.org, provides excellent AI literacy resources that schools can adopt.

4. Request AI literacy education Schools should be teaching students HOW to use AI, not just whether they can. Advocate for this to be part of the curriculum.

The Parent-Teacher Partnership

The best approach is collaboration:

You provide:

• Home monitoring and accountability
• Reinforcement of school policies
• Feedback on how assignments are working
• Support for teacher guidelines

Teacher provides:

• Clear assignment-specific guidelines
• In-class education on AI literacy
• Assessment that tests actual learning
• Communication when they notice issues

Together you ensure:

• Student uses AI to learn, not to cheat
• Clear expectations across all contexts
• Consistency between home and school
• Student develops both AI skills AND thinking skills

Remember: 42% of students in 2025 said university staff are 'well-equipped' to work with AI, up from 18% in 2024. Teachers are learning too. Approach them as partners in this new challenge, not adversaries to overcome.

The Future: Preparing Your Child for an AI World

Here's the uncomfortable truth: AI isn't going away. The question isn't whether your child will use AI in their future career—it's whether they'll be prepared to use it effectively.

The Skills That Will Matter

In an AI-saturated future, the most valuable skills will be exactly the ones that AI can't replicate:

1. Critical Thinking

• Evaluating AI outputs for accuracy and bias
• Knowing when AI is helpful vs. when it's misleading
• Asking questions that AI can't answer
• Synthesizing information from multiple sources (including AI)

2. Creativity and Original Thought

• Generating truly novel ideas (not just remixing existing ones)
• Bringing unique perspectives and lived experience
• Creative problem-solving in ambiguous situations
• Artistic and emotional intelligence

3. Judgment and Wisdom

• Making ethical decisions
• Understanding human nuance and context
• Knowing when to trust data vs. when to trust intuition
• Balancing competing values and priorities

4. Collaboration and Communication

• Working with humans (which requires emotional intelligence AI lacks)
• Explaining complex ideas in accessible ways
• Navigating conflict and building consensus
• Reading social cues and adapting communication style

5. Metacognition (Thinking About Thinking)

• Understanding their own learning process
• Recognizing when they don't understand something
• Self-reflection and self-correction
• Continuous learning and adaptation

The irony: Every time your child uses AI to avoid thinking, they're weakening exactly the skills that will make them valuable in an AI-driven economy.

Two Paths Forward

The Brookings report makes clear that at this point in AI's trajectory, the risks of utilizing generative AI in children's education overshadow its benefits. But it also emphasizes that the damage is fixable and we have a choice in how this goes.

Path 1: Let AI Replace Thinking

• Student uses AI as a shortcut whenever possible
• Homework gets easier, grades might even improve
• Critical thinking skills never develop
• Reaches college/career and struggles because they never learned to think independently
• Becomes dependent on AI but can't use it effectively
• Competes with millions of other people who can also prompt AI (low-value skill)

Path 2: Use AI to Enhance Thinking

• Student uses AI as a tool to learn more effectively
• Homework requires sustained cognitive effort
• Critical thinking skills develop through practice
• Reaches college/career with both AI skills AND independent thinking
• Can use AI effectively because they understand what AI can and can't do
• Brings unique human judgment, creativity, and wisdom that AI can't replicate (high-value skill)

Your job as a parent: Make sure your child is on Path 2.

Teaching AI Literacy, Not Just AI Avoidance

The goal is not to keep your child away from AI forever. The goal is to teach them to use it wisely.

AI Literacy includes:

Understanding What AI Is and Isn't:

• AI is a prediction machine based on patterns in training data
• It doesn't "understand" in the human sense
• It has no consciousness, feelings, or genuine creativity
• It's a tool, not a friend or authority figure

Recognizing AI's Limitations:

• Hallucinates (makes up false information confidently)
• Has bias from training data
• Can't reason through truly novel problems
• Lacks common sense and contextual understanding
• Can't make ethical judgments

Using AI as a Thought Partner:

• Brainstorming ideas (that you then evaluate)
• Explaining concepts you're learning
• Challenging your assumptions
• Organizing information you've gathered
• Getting feedback on your own work

Knowing When NOT to Use AI:

• When the goal is to develop a specific skill through practice
• When original thinking is required
• When ethical judgment is needed
• When understanding (not just information) is the goal
• When human connection and empathy matter

Preparing for an AI-Integrated Future

Today's Skills → Tomorrow's Success:

In College: The proportion of students using generative AI tools for assessments jumped from 53% in 2024 to 88% in 2025. Your child will enter a college environment where AI is everywhere. They need to know how to use it responsibly and effectively—or they'll be left behind OR caught for academic dishonesty.

In Careers: 76% of office workers think AI helps their careers, rising to 87% among Gen Z office workers. But the workers who succeed won't be those who can prompt AI—they'll be those who can combine AI capabilities with human judgment, creativity, and critical thinking.

In Life: AI will be everywhere: healthcare, finance, relationships, parenting. Your child needs to be able to evaluate AI-generated information, recognize manipulation, protect their privacy, and make decisions that balance efficiency with ethics.

The Questions We Should Be Teaching Kids to Ask

Instead of teaching kids to ask AI for answers, teach them to ask these questions:

Before Using AI:

• "What is this assignment supposed to teach me?"
• "If AI does this task for me, what skill am I giving up practicing?"
• "Is there value in struggling through this on my own?"
• "What would I lose by taking the shortcut?"

While Using AI:

• "How do I know this information is accurate?"
• "What bias might be present in this AI's training?"
• "Am I using AI to understand or to avoid understanding?"
• "If I had to explain this to someone else, could I?"

After Using AI:

• "What did I actually learn from this process?"
• "Could I do this task without AI now?"
• "Did AI enhance my thinking or replace it?"
• "Would I be proud to explain how I used AI on this?"

Practical Steps: Raising an AI-Literate Child

1. Expose Them to How AI Actually Works

• Watch videos about how LLMs are trained
• Have them try to catch AI hallucinations
• Discuss bias in AI systems
• Show them examples of AI failures

2. Practice AI Use Together

• Work on projects where you both use AI as a tool
• Model good AI use: "Let's ask AI for ideas, then evaluate which ones make sense"
• Show them how you use AI in your own work (if applicable)
• Discuss your process and reasoning

3. Teach Verification Skills

• Always check AI-generated facts against authoritative sources
• Look for primary sources, not just AI summaries
• Understand citation and attribution
• Recognize when information seems wrong or biased

4. Build Confidence in Their Own Thinking

• Celebrate effort and process, not just results
• Praise them when they solve problems independently
• Show excitement about their original ideas
• Validate their judgment and decision-making

5. Create AI-Free Zones

• Family dinners where you discuss ideas without devices
• Reading time without AI-assisted summaries
• Creative projects done entirely offline
• Games and activities that require only human intelligence

6. Discuss Real-World AI Ethics

• News stories about AI going wrong
• Privacy concerns with AI companies
• Job displacement and economic impacts
• The environmental cost of AI training

The Long View

Ten years from now, your child will either:

A) Be one of millions who can prompt AI to generate mediocre content, competing for jobs that AI is rapidly making obsolete, having never developed the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that make humans valuable, OR

B) Be someone who combines sophisticated AI skills with strong critical thinking, creativity, judgment, and ethical reasoning—the exact combination that will be most valuable in an AI-saturated world.

The choice you make today about how your child uses AI for homework directly determines which of these futures they'll experience.

A Final Thought on Learning

Rebecca Winthrop from the Brookings Institution emphasizes that the damages AI has caused are "fixable" but require adults to "neither capitulate to these harms nor focus solely on limiting their repercussions".

We have a window of opportunity right now to teach this generation how to use AI as a tool that enhances human capability rather than a crutch that weakens it.

The students who learn to use AI to make themselves smarter—not to avoid thinking—will be the ones who thrive.

Make sure your child is one of them.

Take Action: Next Steps for Parents

You've read 15,000 words about AI and homework. Now what?

This Week:

1. Have the conversation Use the scripts in "The Conversation" section to talk with your child about AI use. Don't wait.

2. Check school policies Email your child's teachers. Ask about their AI policies. Get clear expectations.

3. Set up monitoring If your child is using AI now, implement monitoring immediately. Try HeyOtto's free plan to see how parental visibility changes the dynamic.

4. Create your family agreement Sit down together and draft clear rules. Get buy-in, not just compliance.

This Month:

5. Review current work Look at your child's recent assignments. Do they show signs of inappropriate AI use? Have a non-accusatory conversation about what you notice.

6. Establish check-in routines Create regular times to discuss homework and learning. Make it normal to talk about how AI was or wasn't used.

7. Connect with other parents Talk to parents of your child's friends. What are they doing? Share strategies.

8. Advocate for AI literacy Contact your school about implementing AI education and clear policies.

This Year:

9. Model good AI use yourself Show your child how you use AI as a tool in your own work or life.

10. Celebrate independent thinking When your child solves something without AI, make a big deal about it.

11. Stay informed This is a fast-moving field. Keep learning about AI in education.

12. Adjust as needed Review and revise your approach quarterly. What's working? What needs to change?

If You See Red Flags:

13. Address it immediately Don't wait. Have a serious conversation now.

14. Implement stricter boundaries Switch to fully monitored AI or temporary AI ban if needed.

15. Work with teachers If your child has been cheating, teachers need to know.

16. Consider outside help If AI dependence seems tied to anxiety, perfectionism, or other issues, consult a counselor.

The Bottom Line

Here's what you need to remember:

1. 92% of students are using AI for schoolwork. Your child probably is too—or will be soon.
2. The line between help and cheating comes down to whether the student is doing the thinking.
3. Cognitive offloading is real and has serious long-term consequences for your child's brain development.
4. You can identify red flags if you know what to look for in behavior, work quality, and AI use patterns.
5. Tools like HeyOtto teach instead of cheat by guiding thinking rather than replacing it.
6. The conversation matters more than any monitoring tool. Build trust and clear expectations.
7. Set real boundaries with technical controls, physical oversight, and clear consequences.
8. Partner with teachers even when schools lack clear policies.
9. The goal is AI literacy, not AI avoidance—teach your child to use it wisely.
10. The stakes are high: Your child's future success depends on developing skills AI can't replicate.

Your Child's Future Starts With Today's Choice

Every homework assignment is a choice: Let AI do the thinking, or use AI to enhance my own thinking?

Every time your child chooses the first option, they get a little weaker cognitively. Every time they choose the second option, they get a little stronger.

Which path do you want your child on?

Try HeyOtto: AI That Teaches, Not Cheats

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✅ AI that guides learning rather than providing answers
✅ Complete parental visibility into every conversation
✅ Age-adaptive teaching that grows with your child
✅ Built-in boundaries against academic dishonesty
✅ Real-time alerts when concerning patterns emerge
✅ Safe, COPPA-compliant platform designed for kids 5-18

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The homework AI crisis is here. But the solution is too.

Help your child use AI to get smarter, not to avoid thinking.

Start with HeyOtto today.

Found this guide helpful? Share it with other parents who need guidance on navigating AI and homework.

Last updated: February 2026

Additional Resources

For Parents:

• HeyOtto Blog: AI Safety for Families
• Parent Safety Guide
• Family AI Use Templates

Research & Reports:

• Brookings Institution Report: A New Direction for Students in an AI World
• RAND Survey: AI Use in Schools
• HEPI Student Survey on AI Use

For Teachers:

• Teach AI Framework
• AI Literacy Resources

About HeyOtto: Based in Atlanta, Georgia, HeyOtto is the leading safe AI chatbot platform designed specifically for children ages 5-18. We're parents and educators who built the AI we wished existed for our own kids—safe, educational, and built on the principle that AI should enhance learning, never replace it.