Federal Regulation of AI Is Virtually Nonexistent. Is This a Problem for Schools?
The lack of federal regulation and guidance concerning the use of AI in schools is raising significant concerns, as highlighted during a recent committee hearing in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Trump administration has been a proponent of utilizing AI to foster innovation in education and other sectors. However, the absence of regulatory frameworks could potentially lead to future complications.
Concerns Raised by Experts
Adeel Khan, founder and CEO of Magic School AI, emphasized the challenge of not having shared standards and safe, purpose-built tools readily available for classrooms. He warned that “without clear guardrails and responsibility fragments, districts will struggle to protect students and learn what works.”
Despite the administration’s support for AI in education, including an executive order aimed at integrating AI into teaching, only two states—Ohio and Tennessee—mandate comprehensive AI policies for school districts.
Professional Development Challenges
During the 2024-25 school year, a significant 85% of teachers and 86% of students utilized AI to some extent. Yet, only 50% of teachers reported receiving adequate professional development on how to effectively incorporate AI into their teaching methodologies, according to a 2025 survey by the EdWeek Research Center.
Alexandra Reeve Givens, president and CEO of the Center for Democracy and Technology, stressed that training for teachers is critical. It is essential not only for learning how to use AI tools but also for understanding the associated risks.
Addressing Concerns about AI in Education
Experts have voiced concerns regarding AI’s potential impact on critical thinking skills, the dynamics of student-teacher relationships, and the possibility of exacerbating issues like bullying.
Khan suggested that school districts should pose pertinent questions to ed-tech companies, such as:
- How do you protect student data?
- How do you evaluate your platform for bias, safety, and information sharing?
- What guardrails are in place to ensure student safety?
- How do you ensure that the tool is primarily used for educational purposes?
Establishing Accountability
During the committee hearing, the importance of accountability was underscored even in the absence of federal regulations. Givens cited a survey indicating that 12% of students were aware of nonconsensual, intimate AI-generated imagery within their school community. While educators can discipline students, the onus also lies with companies to enforce responsible usage.
OpenAI has initiated training programs for teachers focused on foundational AI skills and is planning to extend similar training to students. Chaya Nayak, head of jobs and certification at OpenAI, mentioned their commitment to ensuring that youth leverage these tools positively while preventing misuse.
As the landscape of AI in education evolves, it is crucial for stakeholders to prioritize the safety and effectiveness of AI tools in classrooms. Without adequate regulations and training, the potential benefits of AI may not be fully realized.
