What Canadian Parents Are Asking About AI in Schools — And How Educators Can Respond

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Parents are asking questions about AI in schools. Many teachers do not feel equipped to answer them — not because they lack intelligence, but because they lack training and institutional support.

The Canadian Teachers' Federation has identified that roughly 80 percent of educators report having little or no training on generative AI integration.

Parents are reading headlines about AI-generated homework, data breaches, and the future of work. They need direction — even if that direction is: “We are figuring this out, and here is what we know so far.”

“Is my child using AI to cheat?”

What parents are really asking: Can I trust that my child is actually learning?

A thoughtful response:
AI can be used responsibly (brainstorming, clarification, feedback) or dishonestly (submitting generated work as one’s own). Our goal is to define acceptable use clearly and teach students transparency. We encourage families to ask their child to explain how they used AI and what they learned from it.

Key facts: A KPMG survey found 59% of Canadian students are using generative AI for schoolwork. Many boards are moving toward transparency-based policies rather than blanket bans.

“Is my child’s data safe?”

What parents are really asking: After the PowerSchool breach, can I trust the system?

A thoughtful response:
Canadian school boards are governed by provincial legislation such as MFIPPA, FIPPA, or FOIPPA. These laws regulate how student data is collected, stored, and disclosed. Schools must conduct privacy reviews before approving tools.

Parents have the right to ask which digital tools are being used and what safeguards exist.

“Will AI replace teachers?”

What parents are really asking: Will my child lose human connection?

A thoughtful response:
AI can assist with administrative and planning tasks, but it cannot build relationships, mentor students, or respond to emotional nuance. Teaching is fundamentally human.

Policy guidance in multiple provinces emphasizes that AI is designed to augment, not replace, teachers.

“Should my child be learning about AI?”

What parents are really asking: Is my child prepared for the future?

A thoughtful response:
Yes. AI literacy is becoming essential. Students need to understand how AI works, its limitations, ethical considerations, and how to verify AI-generated information critically.

Key facts: Canada ranked 44th out of 47 countries in AI literacy training. The Conference Board of Canada has called for coordinated national AI literacy efforts.

“What if AI is wrong?”

What parents are really asking: Can AI be trusted?

A thoughtful response:
AI tools can produce “hallucinations” — confident but incorrect answers. This is why critical thinking and verification are core parts of AI literacy instruction.

“My child’s school isn’t addressing AI. Should I worry?”

A thoughtful response:
Many schools are still developing policies. However, schools should at minimum have guidelines about acceptable use, data privacy, and professional development. Parental engagement can help move the conversation forward.

“What should I do at home?”

A thoughtful response:
Be curious. Explore AI tools together. Ask your child to explain how they use them. Fact-check answers together. Discuss ethics and fairness.

A Note for Educators

You do not need perfect answers. Parents need honesty and transparency.

It is professional to say, “That’s a great question — let me confirm and get back to you.” Trust grows when communication is open.

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