Half of UK teens now use AI for homework, up from a quarter three years ago
A BBC survey of 2,087 UK teens found 51% use artificial intelligence specifically for homework, jumping from 29% in 2023.
The BBC Bitesize and 5 Live Teen Summit survey revealed rapid growth in AI use among UK teenagers. Half now rely on AI specifically for homework or coursework, up from 29% in 2023 and 47% in 2025.
Of those who do not use it, concerns over accuracy and trust are the main reasons given. The survey also found 55% of teens spend four or more hours daily on phones, and 74% spend more than three hours.
When asked about the government's plan to restrict social media for under-16s, 46% support it, though 81% believe their peers will find ways around any ban. Bullying takes place on the same scale online (53%) and face-to-face (53%).
More than a quarter have seen sexist or racist content on social media.
- 51% in 2026, up from 29% in 2023
- AI homework users
- 2,087 UK teens aged 13-18
- Survey sample
- 55% spend 4 or more hours
- Daily phone time
- 53%, same as face-to-face bullying
- Online bullying rate
Why it mattersAI use in schoolwork raises questions about whether teens are building the skills employers need and whether AI is accurate enough for study.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, but Australian policymakers considering similar restrictions on teen social media use would find this UK data on teen behaviour and attitudes relevant to local policy debates.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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