“Casual, careless use of general-purpose GenAI can threaten the very learning processes necessary for committing new ideas to memory… and also the higher-order thinking needed to deeply understand and use these ideas in novel ways,” report authors wrote.

Kendeou said experts expressed extra caution when it comes to introducing AI to primary school students because of the skills being introduced and practiced at that age.

In writing, for example, Kendeou said students need to learn to put their thoughts in writing on their own before using a tool that does that task for them. University of Minnesota report warns student AI use poses ‘severe’ threat to learning – https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/10/28/university-of-minnesota-report-warns-student-ai-use-poses-severe-threat-to-learning

While the long-term research on AI’s direct impact on learning is still in its infancy, the consensus among experts is chilling. We’re talking about potential disruptions to memory formation and the development of higher-order thinking skills – the kind of cognitive abilities that truly define a well-rounded education. This goes beyond the usual tech-in-the-classroom debates. We’re grappling with deep ethical concerns, from data privacy and algorithmic bias to the very integrity of academic work. As AI tools become increasingly common in schools, state education leaders are scrambling to respond, moving from vague guidance to concrete policy. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the conversation is only just beginning. 8 Disturbing Ways Student AI Use Could Be Harming Kids’ Minds – https://www.theedadvocate.org/8-disturbing-ways-student-ai-use-could-be-harming-kids-minds/

Read the full report here: https://www.cehd.umn.edu/AI-expert-consensus-report-2026

Yikes