How Google AI Search Harms Children's Learning

5 hours ago 4
Students place their smartphones in a storage box before starting class at State Senior High School (SMAN) 112 Jakarta in Kembangan, West Jakarta, April 1, 2026. Antara/Sulthony Hasanuddin

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - American non-profit organization Common Sense Media has highlighted the risks posed by Google's artificial intelligence (AI) search tool to children's learning patterns. The tech giant's AI feature is being flagged as a warning sign because it can complete tasks that students should be tackling themselves.

Conducted by the education and tech organization, the research took place from May 19 to July 1, 2026. Specifically, the study examined how Google AI Search impacts children aged 11 to 17. "AI Mode completes every homework assignment it is given, compromising how kids learn," stated the latest study findings from Common Sense Media, released on Monday, July 20, 2026.

Researchers tested 180 academic tasks, split evenly between mathematics problems and humanities essays. Google AI mode reportedly delivers exhaustive answers without encouraging further discussion with students. The technology answers every prompt submitted, effectively taking over work meant to be done by the children.

According to the research, the most concerning impact is that Google AI Search mode cannot be disabled. In fact, the feature is accessible across all Google devices, including school Chromebooks, smartphones, and library computers.

"AI Mode can short-circuit the productive struggle through which learning actually occurs," noted a key excerpt from the study's main findings. The study added, "A complete, polished response delivered in seconds undermines the learning process of students at the developmental stage when these capacities are still being formed."

Based on these findings, researchers recommend that Google provide parental controls to disable the AI search feature by default for accounts known to belong to minors. This approach is similar to features available on Google's generative AI model, Gemini, where access to AI tools can be restricted when necessary for children's learning.

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