Cell phones are once again emerging as significant tools in middle schools. However, this time, rather than being used for discreet texting, they facilitate access to artificial intelligence, which now provides students with answers in a discreet yet impactful manner.
A new phrase is gaining widespread acceptance: ChatGPT has supplanted traditional cheat sheets. According to multiple reliable sources, over 50% of students have used this AI assistant on smartphones to cheat since the beginning of the school year. “Honestly, there must be only five students in my class who do not use ChatGPT,” says Luna, a 9th-grade student in Paris.
The emergence of AI in school bags
Generative artificial intelligence is quietly making its way into schools. A recent survey shows that in a typical class of 31 students, 26 have used AI at least once this year an astonishing 84%.
Although not officially reported, the trend is well known to teachers and students. AI tools are used for homework, essays, presentations, and sometimes even during tests, discreetly hidden in pencil cases or on laps.
“I use it when I have no idea or forgot to revise. I copy, tweak, and that’s it,” says Antoine, an 8th-grader in Lyon. “Many do it; it’s not cheating it’s just smart.”
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Massive but uneven use
It may seem that AI tools benefit all students, but usage varies significantly behind the screens. Feedback from around twenty schools highlights two dominant profiles:
- Students struggling academically, for whom AI offers a quick lifeline
- High-achieving students, who are cautious or deliberately avoid it
A French teacher in Essonne shared a striking example: she discovered phrases in an essay far beyond her class’s usual level. When confronted, the student admitted to being “helped a little by AI.” Without concrete proof, disciplinary action is challenging exposing the core issue with AI-assisted schoolwork.
What the numbers really say
According to my cross-checks from several field studies:
| School level | % of students who used AI to cheat or help themselves |
|---|---|
| College | Between 48% and 84%, depending on the establishment |
| High school | Up to 87% in some classes |
| Higher education | 56% admit to using it regularly |
Historically, about 48.3% of middle school students have admitted to cheating each school year. This year, however, the rise of smartphone AI tools and their widespread adoption is pushing that number higher. According to multiple sources, in some classes, AI-assisted cheating now exceeds the majority, signaling a sharp shift in how students approach schoolwork.
The institution is out of step
Many educators highlight a growing gap between students’ AI skills and teachers’ technological mastery. Only 20% of teachers use AI regularly, leaving schools digitally underprepared. Efforts to control usage through vague instructions or increased monitoring often fail against increasingly discreet tools.
Christophe, a history and geography teacher in Dijon, observes: “What strikes me is how normal they find it. There’s no shame anymore. Even parents sometimes see it as convenient, especially when it helps their children ‘catch up.’”
Teachers sometimes helpless
One of the biggest challenges in addressing AI-assisted cheating is the absence of concrete proof. AI-generated texts are unique, making them nearly impossible to trace or compare to existing sources. An English teacher shared that the perfect alignment between a student’s work and the assignment instructions raised her suspicions. Yet, when she confronted the student and their parents, administrators offered little support. Without formal evidence, the student almost always benefits from the presumption of innocence, highlighting a major hurdle for schools trying to enforce academic integrity.
Practices that are still invisible, but are structuring
The widespread adoption of ChatGPT in schools reveals a new approach to learning or a way to circumvent it. Digital-native students increasingly view cheating not as a fault but as academic optimization, blending pragmatism with a race for efficiency. This shift raises a critical question: what should schools teach in a world where information is instantly accessible?
Without demonizing AI, some educators are adapting assessments by favoring oral exams, group projects, or unconventional assignments. However, these practices remain limited. Meanwhile, in classrooms, cell phones may be put away, but AI and its algorithms are never far from reach.
FAQ’s
How many students are using AI to cheat this school year?
Recent surveys suggest that over 50% of students have used AI apps like ChatGPT to assist with homework, essays, or even tests since the start of the school year.
Which AI tools are students using to cheat?
Students primarily use ChatGPT, Bard, and other generative AI apps on smartphones and tablets to generate answers, summaries, or complete assignments.
Why are students turning to AI for cheating?
AI offers a quick solution for struggling students and a time-saving tool for high achievers, making it an attractive shortcut in a digitally connected world.
Are teachers aware of AI-assisted cheating?
Yes, teachers are noticing unusual writing styles and perfect alignment with assignments, but proving the use of AI remains difficult without concrete evidence.
How do schools try to prevent AI cheating?
Some schools implement monitoring tools, revised assignments, oral exams, and group projects; however, enforcement is challenging due to discreet smartphone use.
Is AI cheating considered serious by students?
Many students see it as academic optimization rather than dishonesty, reflecting a shift in how digital-native generations view schoolwork.
Are parents supportive of AI use for schoolwork?
Some parents view it as helpful for catching up or improving grades, which can inadvertently normalize the use of AI-assisted assignments.
Conclusion
The widespread use of AI apps like ChatGPT in schools signals a major shift in how students approach learning. For many, AI is no longer just a tool it’s a shortcut, a form of academic optimization that challenges traditional definitions of cheating. With over half of students reportedly using AI to complete assignments, educators face a growing gap between students’ technological skills and the tools schools have to monitor or guide them.
