Everything You Need to Know About AI Literacy

Given the rapid rise of AI technology and its availability to everyday users, it’s no surprise that conversations around how we teach students about AI have come to the forefront. 

4 in 5 (79%) 13- 18-year-olds now say they use AI, but how many are using it effectively and safely? 

Without proper guidance, young people are at risk of cognitive offloading and interacting with incorrect and sometimes inappropriate content when using AI.

Teaching students AI literacy is now vitally important not only for teachers, but for the tutors students work with too. A consistent and comprehensive approach to learning about AI will set students up for success for a rapidly changing future.

What is AI literacy? 

Simply put, AI literacy means teaching people to think critically about AI, understand how to use it, and its limitations. It’s important for everyone to engage with, as we encounter more and more AI-generated content and tools in our daily lives. 

Phil Anthony, E-Learning Team Lead, University of Kent, sees 3 key principles of AI literacy: 

• Awareness of how tools work 
• Judgement of when to use them 
• Confidence using AI in a useful way 

This breakdown is really helpful for demystifying AI literacy. The 3 clear steps apply to anyone looking to use AI tools or teach others how to use them safely. 

Why is AI literacy important? 

We know that 68% of teenagers already use AI, and a portion of those are using AI uncritically. Uncritical use includes asking AI for answers without fact-checking or engaging with the material.

We also know that children are already using chatbots in a number of ways. The most common use is for learning and schoolwork, but they are also seeking advice and companionship from AI. Many tools present answers as though from a trusted friend, making it hard for students to differentiate between correct and incorrect answers. 

This is where AI literacy is essential. This is the first generation of students to grow up with AI technology. Much like previous ‘digital natives’ growing up online, teaching young people the key principles of AI is now a critical part of their education and will affect their future employability. 

It’s also important for educators to set fair expectations for how to use AI in a safe and ethical way. As a teacher or tutor, you can shape the way students interact with technology and help them to build their own future-ready skills. 

Where to start learning about AI literacy 

Many teachers in the UK, surveyed by the National Literacy Trust, say they feel underprepared to support pupils with AI. Only 1 in 3 (33%) said they’d been trained in how to engage critically with AI themselves. 

Governments and research bodies have published guidance on how to teach students about AI; we recommend this as a starting point for educators wanting to learn more about AI in education.

• US Department of Education Guidance on Generative AI (2026)
• UK Department for Education: Generative AI in Education (2026)
• EU AI Literacy Framework (2026)

Evidence is still emerging on the benefits and risks of students using AI themselves, so it’s important to exercise caution when introducing AI tools into your teaching practice. There are guidelines available for how to introduce AI topics in an age-appropriate way.

How do I improve my own understanding of AI? 

Improving your own understanding of using AI in education can happen in a number of ways. Look for training sessions, official guidance, and recommendations from colleagues and peers.

Here at Bobbin, we have several resources available: 

• Our latest ebook, 'AI Implementation for Tutoring Businesses', runs through the basics, use cases for tutoring businesses, and how to use AI to improve lesson quality and consistency.
• Plus, we have a deep-dive webinar on the topic, exploring in greater detail what to look for in the AI products you're using and practical ways to incorporate AI into your teaching.
• Take a look at our blog for more information on how AI is used in Bobbin, a look at the UK's DfE guidance and more, to stay on top of how AI is changing the landscape for educators.  
  

There’s no quick answer to what AI means for the future of education, but we do know that engaging with AI and consistent, positive teaching about how to use AI in a useful and safe way is essential to prepare the next generation for the future. From future employability to making sure they are still acquiring essential skills. 

Looking for education-ready AI tools to improve your lesson delivery? Try Bobbin. With curriculum lesson planning, in-person and online delivery, and smart reports, Bobbin helps you run great lessons in a cinch.

Additional reading: 

• Educators Feel Confident They Can Teach About AI. What Do Parents Think? (September 2026)
• New AI Literacy Framework helps schools prepare learners for the age of artificial intelligence (June 2026)
• What Is AI Literacy, and Why Should I Even Care About It? (November 2025)
• Generative artificial intelligence (AI) in education, DfE (August 2025) 
• Using generative AI to support literacy in 2026: What do we know after 3 years of research? (August 2025)
• Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Teaching and Learning, Department of Education, USA (May 2023)
• U.S. Department of Education Releases Guidance on Responsible Use of Education Technology in the Classroom (August 2026)
• When to teach children about AI, ABC Magazine