Pennsylvania Students Sound Alarm: AI Over-Reliance Threatens Critical Thinking

Last updated: March 6, 2026

If you’ve watched your child reach for a chatbot instead of working through a problem, you’re not imagining it. High school students across Pennsylvania are raising urgent concerns about their peers becoming “overly reliant” on artificial intelligence—for homework, for companionship, and even for basic thinking. And they’re asking the adults in the room to do something about it.

These aren’t technophobes railing against progress. These are digital natives who understand AI better than most adults—and they’re worried. Their concerns deserve our attention.

TL;DR

High school students in Pennsylvania raised concerns about peer over-reliance on AI at a roundtable with Governor Josh Shapiro.
The state responded by launching an AI Literacy Toolkit and proposing regulations requiring age verification and parental consent for AI companions.
Students noted AI is affecting their confidence, authenticity, and basic cognitive skills.
Research on AI's long-term impact on developing brains remains limited, making cautious guidance essential.
Parents can take the lead by setting family boundaries around AI use while the regulatory framework develops.

Students Speak: AI Is Changing How Young People Think

At a recent roundtable with Governor Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania high school students painted a nuanced picture of AI’s impact on their generation. Students from Pittsburgh-area schools—including Shady Side Academy, Pittsburgh CAPA, and Central Catholic High School—shared observations that should concern every parent and educator.

“I feel like AI really takes away our value as humans and authenticity,” said Tayshawn Lyons, a junior at Shady Side Academy. “So people don’t really value how authentic they are as a human, how they show up to a classroom.”

Laila King, a senior at Pittsburgh CAPA, noted that many young people turn to AI for mental health support, companionship, and homework help—reflecting what she called “a lot of the issues that are going on with young people today: loneliness, isolation, and stress.”

Pennsylvania students are worried about AI over-dependency—and asking for help. Their concerns deserve attention. Here's what parents need to know: Tweet Now Follow Learning Success

The State’s Response: New Tools, New Regulations

Governor Shapiro responded by announcing a multi-pronged state initiative. The new AI Literacy Toolkit, developed across six state agencies, provides resources specifically designed for children, seniors, Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities, and those facing mental health challenges.

Perhaps more significantly, the administration proposed new regulations that would require age verification and parental consent for AI companion bots, force companies to remind users “that there is not another human being on the other side of the screen,” and hold companies accountable if they fail to protect children.

“These companies will be held accountable,” Shapiro declared. “If they’re going to play here in Pennsylvania, if they’re going to put their products in the app stores for our students, they damn well better know we’re going to hold them accountable.”

Author Quote "

Quote: I feel like AI really takes away our value as humans and authenticity. So people don’t really value how authentic they are as a human, how they show up to a classroom. Attribution: Tayshawn Lyons, junior at Shady Side Academy

Not applicable - no significant bias identified. The coverage presents student perspectives balanced with state policy responses.

Why This Matters: The Developing Brain and AI

What makes Pennsylvania’s initiative particularly important is timing. Students themselves pointed out that research on AI’s impact on developing brains is still emerging—and they’re the guinea guinea pigs in an experiment no one fully understands.

“We don’t even have any real evidence on the long-term effects of consistent AI use,” King noted, referencing MIT research on how AI assistants affect thinking and writing.

This aligns with what neuroscience tells us about brain development. The teen years represent a critical period for building executive function, critical thinking, and the capacity to solve novel problems. When developing brains consistently delegate these tasks to AI, we may be inadvertently weakening the very cognitive muscles our children need for success.

Key Takeaways:

Student Concerns Rising: Pennsylvania high school students report peers becoming "overly reliant" on AI for mental health, homework, and basic thinking skills.

State Action Taken: Governor Shapiro launched AI Literacy Toolkit and proposed regulations requiring age verification, parental consent, and company accountability.

Call for Boundaries: Students themselves are asking for guidelines and guardrails—they want help navigating AI responsibly.

What Parents Can Do Now

The good news? Pennsylvania’s students aren’t calling for AI bans—they’re calling for boundaries. Their suggestions mirror what digital wellness experts recommend: guidelines around AI use, reformed grading that values original thinking, and spaces where young people can express themselves without algorithmic assistance.

Parents can start by having honest conversations with their children about AI use—asking not just “what did you use AI for?” but “what did you figure out yourself today?” The goal isn’t to demonize technology but to ensure our children remain the drivers of their own thinking, not passengers.

As one student wisely observed: “There’s no rules, no restrictions. It’s just kind of thrown to us and we’re allowed to use it, essentially, however we want.” That chaos creates opportunity—for families who choose to be intentional.

Author Quote "

Quote: We don’t even have any real evidence on the long-term effects of consistent AI use. Attribution: Laila King, senior at Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts School

Here’s what we know: children’s brains are remarkably adaptable. They build the cognitive skills they practice most. And right now, across Pennsylvania and beyond, too many young brains are practicing delegation to algorithms instead of building their own critical thinking muscles.

The students get it. They’re asking for help navigating this terrain responsibly. That’s not weakness—that’s wisdom. And it’s exactly the kind of awareness that, when nurtured, helps young people become thoughtful technology users rather than passive dependents.

If you’re ready to help your child develop healthy digital habits that protect their growing brain, the Learning Success All Access Program offers a free trial that includes a personalized Action Plan—and you keep that plan even if you decide it’s not the right fit.