The latest SurveyMonkey poll, conducted from Aug. 20 to Sept. 1, asked more than seven thousand American adults how they view artificial intelligence in education. With a margin of error of ±3.3 points, the results paint a largely skeptical picture: a solid majority believes AI will cause more damage than benefit in K-12 classrooms.
Beyond the numbers, the survey highlights how public opinion is evolving. Since a comparable poll in June 2025, attitudes toward schools that either embrace or reject AI tools have shifted by nearly ten percentage points, suggesting that the debate over technology’s place in learning is far from settled.
Public sentiment on AI in K-12 and higher education
When respondents evaluated the impact of AI on primary and secondary schooling, 53 % answered that the technology does more harm than good, while only 27 % felt it offers a net benefit. The pattern is echoed at the university level, where 54 % see AI as a detriment and just 24 % view it positively. These figures indicate a consistent thread of concern across all educational tiers, despite the differing contexts of K-12 and higher education.
Preferences for AI-enabled versus AI-free schools
When asked which type of school would better prepare students for the future, opinions are almost evenly split but have moved noticeably since the June 2025 survey. Currently, 44 % of adults say a school that integrates AI tools will give students an advantage, a drop of nine points from the earlier poll. Conversely, 56 % now argue that a school that bans AI use will better equip learners, marking a nine-point rise.
Acceptable AI uses in student assignments
The poll also explored which specific AI applications, if any, are considered permissible in coursework. The most tolerated function is proofreading and editing, with 49 % of respondents approving it. Helping with research and brainstorming earned approval from 41 % and using AI to organize or outline ideas was acceptable to 38 %. However, a sizable minority—31 %—believe any AI assistance is off-limits, and only 7 % think it’s okay for AI to generate written content outright.
Policy reactions and notable voices
School districts across the nation are grappling with these mixed sentiments. In New York City, officials announced that AI tools will be restricted for students until they reach high school, allowing only limited use cases thereafter. Meanwhile, former first lady Melania Trump weighed in, emphasizing the need for hands-on AI experience. She said, “Of course, they need to be vigilant, as wellbut this is our future, and we need to guide them and teach them what is available.” Her remarks underscore the tension between caution and preparation that defines the current debate.
While a slight majority leans toward restriction, a substantial portion sees potential benefits, especially as technology becomes ever more intertwined with daily life.
