US Senators Send Nine Questions to Google CEO Sundar Pichai Over AI Use in Classrooms

Two US senators have raised concerns about Google's growing efforts to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) tools into American classrooms. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Josh Hawley have written to Google CEO Sundar Pichai, seeking detailed information about the potential impact of the company's AI products on children's mental health, academic performance, and emotional well-being.

The letter follows an investigation into how Google's AI-powered tools are being used by schoolchildren and the possible consequences of their growing dependence on these technologies.

The senators have raised nine key questions for Pichai, asking Google to explain what research it has conducted into the effects of AI products on young users. They have also questioned the company's approach to promoting AI tools in schools, particularly when it comes to protecting students from potential harm. Google has been given a deadline of November 2, 2026, to respond.

Senators Raise Concerns Over Google's Growing AI Presence in Schools

In their letter, Blumenthal and Hawley expressed serious concerns about Google's increasing promotion of AI-powered products in educational institutions.

They argued that the company's aggressive expansion of AI technology in schools could negatively affect students' academic development and overall well-being.

The senators requested information about Google's efforts to introduce AI products into classrooms, along with details of research examining their potential effects on children's emotional and educational development.

They also warned against repeating the mistakes associated with social media platforms, where commercial interests were allegedly prioritised over the well-being of young users.

According to the lawmakers, Google's expansion of AI in education appears to have created challenges for students. They referred to a Wall Street Journal report based on interviews with more than 60 teachers, parents, students, and medical professionals.

The report highlighted concerns about declining academic performance, weakening critical-thinking abilities, and students becoming increasingly dependent on AI to complete assignments rather than working independently.

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Nine Questions Senators Want Google CEO Sundar Pichai to Answer

The senators have outlined nine specific questions covering children's safety, AI dependence, educational performance, and Google's responsibility towards schools adopting its technology.

1. What research has Google conducted on AI's impact on children's mental health?

The senators pointed out that Google's own researchers had reportedly raised concerns about children's use of AI. They asked the company to share its research into the potential negative effects of Gemini, AI Overviews, AI Mode, and other AI products on children's mental well-being.

2. Why are AI features enabled by default on educational devices?

The lawmakers questioned Google's decision to integrate AI features as default settings on certain licensed educational devices. They also asked why some of these features cannot be disabled by schools or users.

3. Have schools and parents reported concerns about children's dependence on AI?

Google has been asked whether school districts, teachers, or parents have expressed concerns about students becoming academically or emotionally dependent on AI tools. The senators also requested details of the complaints received and how the company responded.

4. What assistance has Google provided to schools facing AI-related problems?

The letter asks Google to explain what support it has offered to educational institutions that have reported negative effects of its AI products on students.

5. How much has Google invested in promoting AI adoption in schools?

The senators want details of Google's promotional campaigns, programmes, and other initiatives designed to increase the adoption of AI technology in educational institutions. They have also requested information about the company's spending on these activities.

6. What guidance does Google provide to schools using its AI tools?

Google has been asked to share the educational resources and guidance it provides to school administrators, teachers, and other staff members. Particular attention has been given to materials explaining responsible AI usage and ways to protect students' well-being.

7. Have Google's AI tools ever encouraged harmful behaviour among minors?

Another major concern involves the safety of children interacting with AI-powered classroom tools. The senators asked whether Google has identified incidents in which its AI products encouraged minors to engage in harmful activities, developed emotional dependence, or failed to recognise signs of suicidal thoughts or self-harm.

8. What action did Google take after publishing research on advanced AI assistants?

The lawmakers referred to a research paper published by Google researchers titled The Ethics of Advanced AI Assistants. They asked what measures the company introduced after the paper highlighted potential risks associated with advanced AI assistants, particularly those affecting children.

9. How is Google preventing emotional dependence and harmful conversations involving children?

The final question focuses on Google's efforts to prevent AI chatbots from engaging in overly agreeable, emotionally dependent, or potentially harmful conversations with young users.

The senators referred to Google's stated commitment to strengthening protections for children, particularly against emotional dependence and the reinforcement of false beliefs.

They also raised concerns about a Maryland student who was reportedly hospitalised after developing an intense dependence on Google's AI, asking what steps the company has taken to prevent similar incidents.

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Growing Debate Over AI Safety in Education

The letter from Blumenthal and Hawley highlights the increasing debate surrounding the use of artificial intelligence in schools. While AI tools offer opportunities to support learning, research, and classroom activities, their growing presence has also raised questions about student independence, critical thinking, privacy, and emotional safety.

The senators' questions place Google's educational AI strategy under closer scrutiny, particularly regarding the company's responsibility to ensure that its products are safe for younger users.

With the November 2, 2026, deadline set for Google's response, attention is now focused on how the technology giant addresses these concerns and explains the safeguards it has established for children using AI-powered educational tools.