Young People Are Using AI More Than Ever — But Most Feel Uncertain and Under‑Supported

A new TECgirls study of 582 Year 9 students across Cornwall shows that AI has already become a normal part of daily life for young people, with 91% reporting they use AI tools. Most are using AI at home rather than in school, and many are navigating it without guidance. Girls and boys use AI at similar rates, but their experiences differ. Girls rely on AI more for homework and research, while boys explore gaming, creative tools and newer platforms. Confidence levels also diverge: 63% of boys say they feel “really confident” using AI compared with 51% of girls, and girls are more likely to want help. Students are enthusiastic but uneasy. 87% believe AI will affect their future careers, yet only 8% of girls think AI will make the world better. More than half of girls say AI will have an impact but they’re unsure how. Hidden behaviour is also emerging, with 32% admitting they’ve lied about using AI and 29% having seen AI used to create something harmful. Despite concerns, young people want AI in education. 85% say it should be allowed in school, and over a third want structured guidance to use it safely and effectively. TECgirls warns that the challenge is no longer adoption — young people have already adopted AI. The urgent need now is confidence, ethics and support. Their new AI Citizenship Pathway aims to build early literacy, responsible use and real‑world skills from ages 8 to 24. Find out more https://www.tecgirls.co.uk/