How should I approach AI tools like ChatGPT and their use in my teen's schoolwork?

AI tools are now part of the academic landscape, and outright bans are increasingly impractical. Instead, focus on teaching responsible use. Discuss the difference between using AI as a learning tool (brainstorming, understanding concepts, checking work) versus academic dishonesty (submitting AI-generated work as their own). Help them understand AI's limitations: it can produce plausible-sounding but incorrect information, and it lacks critical thinking. Encourage them to verify AI outputs against reliable sources. Check their school's AI policy and ensure they follow it. Frame it as a skill: knowing when and how to use AI responsibly is a workplace competency they are developing early. Consult your pediatrician if your teen seems overly reliant on technology for tasks they should be developing independently.