AI is popping up everywhere these days—from your phone’s virtual assistant to apps that can help kids brainstorm or even write essays. But when it comes to schoolwork, the lines between “getting help” and “cheating” can get a little blurry. That’s where parents come in.

If you’re wondering how to help your child navigate AI tools for school in a way that’s responsible and honest, you’re not alone. Here’s what you need to know.

First, What Is Plagiarism?

In simple terms, plagiarism means taking someone else’s work or ideas and passing them off as your own. Traditionally, that might look like copying and pasting from a website. Today, it can also mean using something like ChatGPT or another AI tool to write an essay or solve a homework problem—and not saying where it came from.

Is Using AI Cheating?

Not always. There are plenty of ways AI tools can support learning without crossing a line.

For example:

• Brainstorming ideas for a paper
• Getting help understanding a math problem
• Summarizing long articles to save time while studying

The key is how your child uses it. If they’re learning and thinking for themselves, that’s great. If the AI is doing all the thinking for them, that’s where it can become a problem.

What Can Parents Do?

Helping your child understand responsible AI use is a lot like teaching them about internet safety or social media. Here are some tips:

Talk about it early and often. Ask your child if they’re using AI tools for school, and how. Keep the conversation open and judgment-free so they feel comfortable sharing.

Make sure they understand what plagiarism is. Many kids don’t realize that copying from an AI without giving credit can be just like copying from a classmate or a website.

Encourage transparency. Teach your child to ask themselves: “Did I do the thinking here?” If they used AI, can they explain their answer in their own words?

Model good habits. Even adults rely on tools like Grammarly or AI writing assistants. Show your child how you use those tools responsibly in your own work.

Check your school’s policies. Every school or district may have its own rules when it comes to using AI for homework or projects. When in doubt, it’s always best to check with your child’s teacher or school.