Educators Urged to Pause AI Implementation in Classrooms

Experts call for caution and independent research on AI's impact on student learning and development.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:30pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dreamlike, impressionistic scene of a classroom filled with blurred, indistinct figures using digital devices, conveying a sense of uncertainty and the need for thoughtful consideration of new educational technologies.As schools rapidly embrace AI technology, experts warn of the need to carefully evaluate its impact on student learning and development before widespread adoption.Los Angeles Today

Education experts are calling for a voluntary moratorium on new AI implementation contracts in schools and colleges until independent researchers can assess the technology's impact on student learning and development. The recent court rulings holding social media companies liable for the harmful effects on children have served as a wake-up call, prompting concerns that the education sector may be rushing to adopt AI tools without proper evaluation.

Why it matters

The education sector has a responsibility to proceed thoughtfully with new technologies, especially those that could potentially replace teachers or deprive students of essential academic skills. Educators must use their purchasing power to demand accountability from tech companies and ensure AI is implemented in a way that prioritizes student wellbeing and learning outcomes.

The details

Experts argue that rather than racing to adopt the latest AI tools, schools and colleges should first ask for evidence on how these technologies will affect the academic and developmental needs of students before widespread implementation. There are concerns about the ethical use of AI, including issues around plagiarism, copyright infringement, and the definition of 'original work.' Additionally, there is little research on when AI tutors or teachers should replace human educators, and what must be done to ensure vital content knowledge and problem-solving skills are not lost as students become more reliant on technology.

  • The recent court rulings holding Meta and YouTube liable for the harmful effects of social media addiction on children were issued in 2026.
  • Several nations have passed laws making it illegal for children under 16 to access social media platforms.
  • The 2024 publication of Jonathan Haidt's 'The Anxious Generation' highlighted concerns about the impact of technology on student mental health.

The players

Pedro Noguera

The dean of the USC Rossier School of Education and the author of this opinion piece calling for a pause on AI implementation in classrooms.

Cal Newport

A computer scientist who has demonstrated that many ed tech tools are undermining our ability to concentrate and think deeply.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Instead of racing to adopt and implement the latest in artificial intelligence, it would be wise to ask for evidence on how these tools will affect the academic and developmental needs of students before they are widely implemented.”

— Pedro Noguera, Dean, USC Rossier School of Education

“Computer scientist Cal Newport has demonstrated that many ed tech tools are undermining our ability to concentrate and think deeply.”

— Pedro Noguera, Dean, USC Rossier School of Education

What’s next

Educators and policymakers should work together to establish a voluntary moratorium on new AI implementation contracts in schools and colleges until independent researchers can thoroughly assess the technology's impact on student learning and development.

The takeaway

The education sector has a responsibility to proceed cautiously with new technologies, especially those that could potentially replace teachers or deprive students of essential academic skills. Rushing to adopt AI without proper evaluation and safeguards risks repeating the mistakes made with social media, which has had harmful effects on student mental health and wellbeing.