Oxford University Press has published a new report showing that fewer than half of UK pupils feel confident identifying accurate AI-generated information produced by artificial intelligence.
The study, titled ‘Teaching the AI-Native Generation’, surveyed 2,000 students aged 13–18 across the UK and found that only 47 percent of respondents are confident in recognizing accurate AI-generated content. Around one third (32 percent) stated they cannot tell if AI content is true, while 21 percent were unsure. The research also revealed that 8 in 10 young people use AI tools in their schoolwork.
Nearly half (48 percent) of pupils expressed a desire for more support from teachers to help them understand which AI-generated content is trustworthy and reliable, and 51 percent called for clearer guidance on when AI tools should be used in schoolwork. One third of respondents believe their teachers are not confident using AI tools in lessons, and one in three would like educators to make greater use of AI resources in the classroom.
Students reported concerns about how AI affects their education. Sixty percent worried that AI tools encourage copying rather than original work, and 51 percent feared that AI resources may perpetuate bias or reinforce inaccurate stereotypes. Nearly half (48 percent) were concerned that classmates might secretly use AI to complete schoolwork, while 47 percent believed teachers might struggle to detect when this occurs.
To assist schools, Oxford University Press launched its AI and Education Site alongside the report. The site offers expert insights, articles, and advice from education technology specialists across the EdTech industry, including guidance from teachers for peer-to-peer support. It also features OUP’s AI Framework for UK School Resources, which outlines the organization’s principles and values for developing AI tools for schools. The report includes regional analyses and expert recommendations to help teachers build AI literacy in classrooms.
Amie Lawless, Secondary Product Director at Oxford University Press, explained that the research highlights students’ awareness of AI-related challenges and their willingness to collaborate with teachers to address them. Lawless added that OUP created the AI and Education Site to bring together educators and experts to provide guidance and support as AI becomes increasingly integrated into classrooms, emphasizing the importance of combining trusted content and sound learning design with responsible AI tools focused on learner needs.
Despite expressing concerns, nine in ten students stated that AI has helped them develop at least one skill related to schoolwork. Problem solving was identified as the top skill gained by 18 percent of respondents, followed by idea creation (15 percent) and revision or exam preparation (13 percent). However, 62 percent of students said AI had also negatively affected certain abilities, with 26 percent reporting that it made their work too easy, 12 percent saying it limited creative thinking, and 10 percent noting an impact on creative writing. OUP’s AI and Education Site includes further guidance for teachers on how to reduce negative effects while maximizing AI’s educational benefits.
Click here to read the original press release.
