A growing body of education research and policy debate is spotlighting potential harm from heavy generative AI use in schooling, with educators arguing that AI can drive cognitive offloading and weaken critical thinking. Reporting cites College Board survey data showing more than 80% of high school students reported using generative AI for schoolwork, alongside Brookings research that concluded risks of using generative AI in children’s education may outweigh benefits based on interviews, focus groups, and a review of studies. The article also points to earlier findings linking AI use to worse judgment and critical thinking, and connects current debates to rising scrutiny of classroom screen time. For colleges and universities, the message is likely to show up in curriculum, assessment design, and academic integrity policies as AI becomes embedded in early learning pipelines.