NBC News poll shows 56% of Americans doubt AI's benefits in schools

Most American adults say that artificial intelligence will do more harm than good in schools, according to a June NBC News Decision Desk poll. The survey, conducted by SurveyMonkey, found that 56% of respondents believe AI’s negative impacts outweigh its benefits in education, while only 35% see a net positive effect and 9% are uncertain. The poll was released on the same day a federal education office announced a draft framework for AI use in classrooms, sparking debate across the country.

The finding comes amid a rapid rollout of generative‑AI tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney and Google Gemini into K‑12 and higher‑education settings. Schools have begun using these programs for grading, lesson planning and student tutoring, but concerns about cheating, data privacy, and the erosion of critical thinking skills have intensified. The American Association of School Administrators reported a 20% rise in teacher complaints about students using AI to complete assignments in the past year. Meanwhile, parents and policymakers fear that unchecked AI use could widen educational inequalities by favoring students with better access to technology.

Education experts weigh in on the poll’s implications. Dr. Lisa Morales, a professor of educational technology at Stanford, says the survey reflects a growing mistrust of AI that “has outpaced the evidence of its benefits.” She notes that while AI can personalize learning and free teachers from routine tasks, the lack of clear guidelines on data security and content accuracy fuels skepticism. Congressional representatives in the House Education Committee have called for a federal study to evaluate AI’s impact on learning outcomes and to develop standards for safe deployment. At the same time, some school districts are piloting “AI literacy” programs to help students use these tools responsibly.

The next steps for policymakers and educators will involve balancing innovation with caution. The Department of Education’s draft framework proposes mandatory teacher training, student consent protocols and an AI‑usage audit system. Schools that adopt the guidelines may receive federal grants to offset costs. As the debate heats up, the poll suggests that public opinion will play a decisive role in shaping AI policy in classrooms. If lawmakers heed the concerns expressed by 56% of Americans, they may slow the pace of AI integration or impose stricter oversight, shaping how the next generation of learners engages with emerging technologies.