Parents in Stillwater and across Oklahoma are voicing concerns about artificial intelligence in schools, pushing for clear policies, transparency and the right to opt out.
How much artificial intelligence are children exposed to in the classroom? A group of Oklahoma parents is on a mission to make sure every parent gets a say in that question.
Parents in Stillwater and across Oklahoma are raising concerns about the use of artificial intelligence in classrooms, advocating for transparency, safety and the ability to opt their children out of AI tools.
Emily Graham, co-founder of Stillwater’s chapter of Schools Beyond Screens, said the group has been hearing from other parents who are surprised by how much their children are exposed to screens and AI tools in schools.
“These AI chats, which can provide harmful information and take the place of trusted adults in the way that you probably don’t want your kid confiding in AI instead of an adult when they face a really serious concern or threat to their safety,” Graham said.
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Graham also expressed concerns about AI search results when students use Google, prompting her to address the issue with the school board.
“We spoke a little bit about that, and our larger concerns that students’ access to AI chats on school devices may not be in line with the new state law, responsible technology in classrooms, and the school was incredibly responsive,” Graham said.
Following these discussions, the Stillwater school district blocked students’ access to Google’s AI search results and other online chat applications.
The Oklahoma Responsible Technology in Schools Act, which took effect July 1, requires districts to establish written AI policies by the 2027 school year. These policies must include rules for data protection, transparency and the use of AI tools.
Schools are also required to inform parents about the AI tools they use and the student data those tools collect.
“So, this bill in particular has a specific opt-out provision related to AI,” said Lindsey Sherwood of Distraction-Free Schools.
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Parents can opt their children out of student-facing AI at any time by providing written notice to their school, and students cannot be academically penalized for opting out.
“It does not have to be fancy,” Sherwood said. “Parents can opt out regardless of us having a full comprehensive policy on this and regardless of us having a form to provide to the district.”
Graham emphasized that the goal is not to eliminate technology from schools entirely.
“We support education about technology in schools. We support teachers, and we are looking to bring that balance back in the use of technology in the classroom,” Graham said.
The law also requires the Oklahoma State Department of Education to develop guidance for districts on the use of AI and other emerging technologies.
