Chinese survey finds over 60% of students use AI

Artificial Intelligence/ File: New Civil Engineer

According to China Daily, the survey, conducted by the China Youth and Children Research Center between June and August last year, gathered responses from more than 8,500 students across seven regions, including Beijing and the provinces of Guangdong and Henan.

Findings show that 71 percent of respondents use AI to complete homework, such as searching for information or generating ideas. More than 40 percent reported using AI for cultural learning and creative activities, including drawing, writing poetry, and designing posters. Meanwhile, over 35 percent of students said they chat with AI or share their feelings with it, and nearly 32 percent use it for entertainment purposes.

The results come as Chinese authorities move to integrate artificial intelligence into the education system. In 2025, the Ministry of Education issued two guidelines promoting the scientific and regulated use of AI in kindergartens and primary and secondary schools.

The guidelines outline a tiered approach: primary school students are not allowed to independently use open generative AI tools for completing assignments; middle school students may explore AI-generated content; and high school students can participate in inquiry-based learning that includes the technical principles of AI.

Earlier this month, the ministry also announced plans to incorporate AI into school curricula, daily teaching practices, and evaluation systems.

Sun Hongyan, a researcher at the center who led the survey, said the rapid spread of AI among young people even among younger students and those in rural areas—exceeded expectations. “Just a few years ago, fewer than 20 percent of students were using AI,” she noted.

The survey also revealed notable differences between urban and rural students. Rural students are more likely to use AI for homework and even imaginative writing, but less likely to use it for creative or innovative purposes.

Additionally, 20.5 percent of students admitted they prefer using AI to think for them rather than relying on their own minds, a figure that rises to 22.8 percent among rural students. At the same time, 46.4 percent said they would rather talk to AI than to real people when feeling upset, while 21 percent expressed concern about excessive use of AI