China bans primary school students from using AI for homework without supervision

In a recently issued directive, the ministry stated that primary school students are prohibited from using AI tools to complete homework on their own. Middle school students are allowed to explore the "logical structure" of AI-generated content, and high school students may use AI for academic activities related to the technology.

According to Global Times, teachers are instructed to ensure that AI remains a supporting tool and is not used for grading, generating answers, or handling sensitive data.

While schools are encouraged to incorporate AI into teaching, they must also strengthen data security measures. Parents are urged to supervise their children's use of AI to protect personal information and prevent overreliance on the technology.

The ministry also called on local authorities to develop governance policies tailored to their regions, including regulations on data protection, ethical assessment frameworks, and lists of approved AI tools for educational purposes.

The release of these guidelines comes amid the growing presence of AI tools, particularly ChatGPT and DeepSeek, in classrooms.

"AI is a strategic technology driving a new wave of technological and industrial transformation," a senior ministry official told China Daily.

"It has already reshaped everyday life and set education on a new course of reform and development."

The official added that advancing AI education is "essential" to keeping pace with global tech trends, fostering national development, and nurturing future innovative talent.

In the directive, the ministry said it will increase investment in AI education infrastructure and gradually establish AI education bases in primary and secondary schools. It also plans to offer more training programs to help teachers better understand and utilize AI tools.

In a related move, the Chinese capital Beijing announced in March that it would introduce AI courses for primary and secondary school students, Xinhua reported.

Starting from the upcoming fall semester, schools across Beijing will provide at least eight hours of AI instruction per academic year.

According to a work plan recently published on the official website of the Beijing Municipal Education Commission, these lessons may be taught as standalone courses or integrated into existing subjects such as information technology.