Ottawa high school students are grappling with the pervasive influence of generative artificial intelligence in their academic lives, with many expressing concerns about its impact on creativity and independent thinking. Laya Piché, an 11th-grade student at Collège catholique Franco-Ouest, describes ChatGPT as a pervasive presence among her peers, often referred to as a friend. Piché finds this troubling, as she believes it fosters laziness and diminishes motivation for creative writing.
The Dilemma of AI in Schools
Despite the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board labeling AI tools as “thinking partners,” some students view them as replacements for original thought. Piché notes that before widespread AI use, students relied more on independent reasoning rather than instant answers. This sentiment is backed by a KPMG survey from October 2025, which found that over 70% of Canadian students use AI for schoolwork, and nearly half report a decline in critical thinking skills since adopting the technology.
Student Perspectives on AI
The survey also revealed that almost 80% of students want schools to provide better guidance on ethical AI use. Piché echoes this desire, feeling conflicted as she observes classmates using ChatGPT to avoid critical thinking while still improving their grades. The technology’s rapid evolution has created a tense atmosphere in classrooms, with some teachers avoiding the topic or outright banning AI, even as students notice teachers using similar tools.
Students face a paradox: they are discouraged or punished for using AI, yet fear that avoiding it entirely could leave them unprepared for post-secondary education and future careers. Piché finds it difficult to resist when everyone around her uses it. Dr. Howard Bernstein, an Oakville-based psychologist specializing in child and adolescent counseling, warns that this lack of education around AI could disproportionately affect less privileged students. He states, “There are a group of kids who come from upward families that will probably be fine. But that’s not the other 80 per cent. I’m not hopeful for those kids because we’re not training them well for jobs. We’re not training them how to write anymore.”
Conclusion
As AI becomes increasingly integrated into education, Ottawa students are caught between its benefits and drawbacks. While some embrace it as a tool, others worry about its long-term effects on their skills and creativity. The need for clear, ethical guidelines and comprehensive education on AI use is more pressing than ever.
