Fix AI Mode or get Google out of classrooms, advocates say - Mashable

What the report says

Mashable reports that child safety and education advocates are pressing schools to reconsider their reliance on Google products after a Common Sense Media report found that Google’s AI-powered Search creates what the watchdog called an unacceptable risk for children. The concern centers on AI Mode and AI Overviews in Google Search, which advocates say expose students to Gemini-based generative AI even when they are using Search for routine schoolwork.

According to the Mashable article, Common Sense Media and other experts said the issue is especially significant because Google Search, Chromebooks and Workspace for Education are deeply embedded in U.S. classrooms. Robbie Torney of Common Sense Media described Google as a major force in both search and education. Amanda Bickerstaff of AI for Education told Mashable that students as young as 10, 13 or 15 should not be automatically shown AI-generated search responses, arguing that the tools can blur the line between looking up information and receiving chatbot-style answers.

The report and advocates cited by Mashable raised concerns that AI-generated answers may repeat false information, appear overly authoritative, complete homework tasks for minors, and complicate teachers’ efforts to build research and literacy skills. They also warned of possible safety and mental health risks. One practical concern is that Google does not offer schools a way to disable only the AI elements of Search while keeping standard web search available.

Google told Mashable that Common Sense Media’s testing was limited and unclear, and said it applies additional safety checks for Workspace for Education features, with SafeSearch enabled by default and fact-checking guidance for youth accounts. Advocates including Fairplay and Schools Beyond Screens said schools may need to stop using Google products if the company does not provide stronger controls.