A growing number of parents report that their children are using artificial intelligence (AI) to complete homework assignments, raising concerns about the effectiveness of traditional homework in the digital age, according to a new report. The findings come from the Parent Voice Project’s latest study, which surveyed parents in 2025 and early 2026.
The report, titled *How Parents Engage with Schools*, is based on polling data from 6,000 parents in 2025 and a follow-up poll of 2,000 parents ten months later. It reveals that the proportion of parents who suspect their child is submitting AI-generated homework has risen sharply, from 47% to 57% over this period. The trend appears to vary by region and parental education level, with families in London and those headed by graduate parents reporting higher usage of AI tools.
Interviews with parents illustrate a range of attitudes and experiences. Some express ambivalence or pragmatic acceptance of AI-assisted homework. For example, one father allowed his son to use AI for challenging subjects like philosophy to help him complete assignments more easily. Another parent discovered their daughter had simply taken photos of homework problems and used AI to provide answers. A third observed that his son would modify AI-generated responses minimally to avoid detection. Conversely, some parents voiced confusion over how to balance encouraging independent thinking with the growing role of AI, especially as adults are themselves being urged to adopt AI competencies in the workplace.
Fiona Forbes, founder of the Parent Voice Project, emphasized the need for schools to engage with parents and develop clear guidance on AI use. “The staggering jump in its use suggests that the school system needs to get across this challenge as soon as possible,” she said, warning that without coordinated action, traditional homework risks becoming ineffectual.
Educators have expressed similar concerns. A separate survey conducted earlier this year by the National Education Union found that 66% of nearly 10,000 teachers believe students’ critical thinking skills have declined as a result of AI use. One teacher described a rise in “substandard work” and academic dishonesty linked to AI, noting that schools lack adequate training and policies to manage this new challenge.
The exams regulator Ofqual has responded by pledging closer scrutiny of coursework assessments to prevent manipulation through AI. Sir Ian Bauckham, Ofqual’s chief regulator, stated last week that the agency’s plans for reformed qualifications would include safeguards against “AI-fuelled subversion of assessment.”
As AI integration accelerates, both parents and educators face an evolving landscape where traditional approaches to homework and student evaluation must adapt to maintain educational standards and foster genuine learning.