AI usage reaches 69% among primary students in Baleares

A study conducted by the International Observatory of Artificial Intelligence in Education (OIA) reveals that 69% of 6th-grade primary school students in Baleares have used artificial intelligence for educational, personal, or recreational purposes.

The report indicates that AI usage becomes nearly universal as students progress, with over 92% of students in secondary education (ESO) reporting use of the technology. Miquel Flexas, director of the OIA, expressed concerns regarding the impact on critical thinking, noting that students may delegate reasoning to the tool rather than thinking for themselves.

Flexas suggests that educational centers need clear regulations regarding when and how AI should be used. He also highlighted concerns regarding the integration of tools like Gemini into Google Classroom for minors, advocating for digital literacy rather than direct access for children under 13.