Pupils warned not to copy and paste from AI for homework

Pupils in Scotland must not simply copy and paste from AI for homework, according to new government guidance.

The guidance aims to support teachers working in schools to use artificial intelligence (AI) in a “fair, safe and ethical way”.

It provides information on the potential benefits of using AI and the issues to be mindful of, while giving examples of how it can be used appropriately in the classroom.

The guidance has been developed jointly with the EIS teaching union and with input from local government, Education Scotland and others, in response to the growth in the use of AI across society.

The guidance states: “AI must support and enhance, rather than replace, human-centred teaching and learning in schools. It must not make decisions on behalf of teachers or schools.”

It continues: “The integration of AI should support learning and is not intended to replace peer-to-peer interaction or act as a substitute for teacher involvement.”

It also goes on to describe pupils copying AI-produced work and submitting it without edits or acknowledgement as “unacceptable”.

Pupils must also not use AI tools during exams or coursework where assistance is not permitted.

It also states that AI applications used in education must not be used to monitor or analyse teachers’ performance.

If a child or young person objects to the use of AI within their learning, the guidance states it is important that “these concerns are taken seriously and dealt with in line with schools’ established policies on handling pupil concerns”.

This guidance is non-statutory for schools and local authorities.

Education secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “AI is increasingly part of all our lives, and we have a responsibility to ensure children, young people, and teachers are equipped to grasp its opportunities and navigate its challenges.

“It is important that human relationships remain at the heart of education, and I am absolutely clear that technology will never replace the role of the teacher. This guidance makes clear that AI must enhance, not replace, those connections.

“For pupils, that means using AI as a tool to support creativity, critical thinking and personalised learning, while protecting their rights and privacy. For teachers, it means having the confidence, professional autonomy and practical support to decide when and how AI adds value in their classroom.”

EIS general secretary Andrea Bradley said: “AI is a tool for teachers; it must never be a replacement for them or their professional judgement. The human relationship between teacher and children and young people is at the heart of learning in our schools. No tool, no tech, no algorithm can replace that.

“We’ve co-created these guardrails to ensure that where teachers choose to use AI in schools, it is ethical, equitable, and – above all – safe.”