This post originally appeared on Brainly’s blog and is republished here with permission.
Key points:
Another school year begins, which means an outpouring of back-to-school feelings for students across America. Many are already feeling the pressures that come with it, particularly the load of homework and studying.
In a survey conducted on Brainly.com on August 21, 2024, 60.5 percent of students reported having a test, quiz, or exam within their first week of school. With academic challenges starting so early in the year, it’s no surprise that students are looking for innovative ways to cope with the stress.
A stressful return to school
The survey, which collected responses from 1,300 U.S. students, highlighted the significant academic hurdles students anticipate for the year ahead. Almost half of the respondents (49.9 percent) expect math to be their hardest subject, followed by English (14.7 percent) and science (13.0 percent). With math being the perpetually most searched subject on Brainly, it’s clear that students are preparing for a tough road ahead.
As another survey conducted on September 3, 2024, by Brainly.com of 1,500 students revealed, 72 percent of high school students are stressed about returning to school this year. The most common stressors include homework (55.1 percent), studying for tests (48.8 percent), and writing papers or essays (44.1 percent). Alarmingly, 72.6 percent of students are worried about having too much homework this fall—an increase from 57 percent in 2023.
In addition to academic pressure, students also face external stressors such as social dynamics (15.5 percent) and the struggle of adapting to a routine that requires them to wake up early (37.8 percent). All of these challenges contribute to an increasingly heavy burden for young learners, many of whom report feeling underprepared (36.2 percent) for the year ahead.
Where students turn for help after school
A growing number of these stressed-out learners are turning to digital platforms to ease their workload and manage their anxiety. According to the September 3 survey, 82 percent of students plan to use AI-powered online platforms like Brainly to help with their schoolwork at least once per week this year. Nearly one third of students in grades 6-12 plan to utilize AI-powered online platforms every day that they do homework.
Teachers, already overburdened with bloated class sizes and punishing schedules, aren’t always around after school hours to answer their students’ questions. That’s one reason why students turn to online platforms, many of which use AI to support or enhance their features, for academic support.
These platforms help with tasks such as breaking down complex math problems, summarizing difficult readings, generating essay ideas, and even providing personalized study plans. On Brainly, for example, millions of students use AI to customize academic answers to their grade level or course load or get explanations for their toughest concepts from Brainly’s AI tutor.
Brainly also asked college-bound students if AI chatbots had a presence in their college application process, in their essay or short answer questions. Of current college students, 26 percent responded that they had. But the trend shows an increasing adoption, as 37 percent of high-school students who have already applied to at least one college or university responded in the affirmative.
Navigating the ethics of AI in education
The use of these AI-powered tools isn’t without controversy in some schools. The August 21 survey revealed that 65 percent of students have experienced at least one AI tool being banned in their classroom. Despite these restrictions, a significant 60 percent of students indicated that they would continue to use AI tools to support their learning, even if they were banned in the classroom.
This finding points to a growing tension between traditional educational methods and the emerging role of AI. While some educators worry that AI tools may encourage shortcuts or academic dishonesty, students argue that these platforms provide essential assistance in managing their workload. With 45 percent of high school students expecting to have at least two hours of homework per school night, the temptation to seek out extra help—whether from AI or other resources—is understandable.
Educators and policymakers are faced with the challenge of striking a balance between allowing students access to beneficial AI tools while ensuring that these platforms are used ethically. One solution could be to integrate AI into the classroom in a way that complements teaching, rather than replacing it. For example, teachers could encourage students to use AI to check their work, get extra explanations on difficult topics, or brainstorm creative ideas for projects. This approach would not only help students manage their stress but also teach them how to use AI responsibly.
Conclusion
This time marks the beginning of another school year. According to Brainly users, not only is there more homework and correlating stress but also an unprecedented presence of quality digital tools designed to help.
One thing is clear: AI is here to stay, and its role in education will only continue to grow. With nearly half of students anticipating hours of nightly homework and an overwhelming majority planning to use AI to help manage their workload, educators must adapt to this new landscape. Instead of resisting these changes, schools have the opportunity to embrace AI as a tool that can enhance learning and alleviate the stress students face each year.
Methodology
The research for this report was completed in 2 separate anonymous surveys conducted on Brainly.com. The first surveyed 1,300 U.S. students in grades 6-12 and completed on August 21, 2024. The second surveyed 1,500 U.S. students in grades 6-12 and completed on September 3, 2024.
