Artificial Intelligence Tools: Schools

Earl of Effingham Excerpts

Monday 26th October 2026 Lords Chamber

[The Earl of Effingham (Con)]

My Lords, we had a brilliant debate on this very subject on Thursday, and the PISA data is clear: it shows that pupils using the most technology throughout their school day suffer worse results, with those who used computers for over six hours in a day scoring 66 points lower than their peers who did not use the technology. Will the Government act on this to ensure that children in our schools do not suffer through overuse of this educational technology?

[Baroness Smith of Malvern (Lab)]

Yes, of course it is the case, but we need to ensure that we harness the positive opportunities that come from AI and educational technology and avoid the risks—which certainly need to be managed very carefully—in our schools. That is the reason for the breadth of initiatives being taken by the Government. It is the reason for the update of the generative AI product safety standards, which have specific protections relating to cognitive development, emotional and social development, mental health and manipulative design, reflecting areas where children may be particularly vulnerable. I do not believe that there is anybody in this House who does not believe that there are opportunities that AI can bring into our schools for teachers and learners. The Government are working hard to get that balance right.