Learning Apps & Tools

Is AI Doing Your Child’s Homework?

AI is a useful learning tool and also commonly abused. If your student aces homework but bombs on tests, artificial intelligence may be doing their work. Here, learn about red flags and rules of use.

By Ann Dolin, M.Ed. Updated on February 11, 2026
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Q: “I’m starting to worry that my child is using AI tools to breeze through homework without really understanding the material. How can I make sure they’re using AI responsibly and still actually learning?”

This is a question we’re hearing more often, especially regarding math. Your child seems to do their homework quickly and easily, but their performance tanks when test day rolls around. What’s going on?

This gap between homework and test scores is becoming even more pronounced with the rise of AI-powered homework tools like Photomath, Mathway, and ChatGPT. These platforms can solve even the trickiest problems in seconds, providing step-by-step solutions that seem like a dream-come-true for students who feel lost in math class.

But here’s the catch: While AI tools can make homework easier to understand and complete, they don’t necessarily help students learn. So when it’s time to work through similar math problems during their tutoring sessions or exams (with no apps in sight), the student’s true understanding is put to the test, and they struggle.

Of course, kids want to get homework done as painlessly as possible. This isn’t new. What is new is how easy it is to hand in perfect assignments with very little effort. And when students rely on AI tools to do the work for them, they miss out on the productive struggle that leads to real understanding, especially in math, where each concept builds on the last.

Here’s what caregivers can do regarding AI use:

  • Watch for warning signs. If your child is getting perfect scores on homework assignments, but their test grades are slipping, take a closer look. Other red flags include an unwillingness to show their work, hesitation when asked to explain how they got an answer, or rushing through assignments without much thought.
  • Set expectations for AI use. These tools aren’t inherently bad. In fact, when used responsibly, they can reinforce learning. The key is for students to use them as a check, not a crutch. Encourage your child to complete a problem on their own first, then compare their process and answer to the AI-generated one. This helps them catch mistakes and deepens their understanding.
  • Talk about academic integrity. With AI at their fingertips, students must understand the ethical boundaries of technology use. Make sure your child knows that copying answers, whether from a friend or an AI app, shortchanges their education – regardless of whether it is flagged by a teacher.
  • Focus on effort, not just results. Praise your child when they show their work, ask questions or take time to truly understand a concept. These habits pay off far more than perfect homework scores in the long run.

AI is here to stay. But, with guidance, your child can learn to use it as a helpful learning tool, not a shortcut to the finish line.

Students Using AI: Next Steps

Ann Dolin, M.Ed., is a former teacher and founder and president at Educational Connections, in Virginia.

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