Students read books, articles, and social media posts every day, but not all texts are written by people. AI can quickly create stories, images, and voices, and do so in a convincing manner. It has raised the question: Should schools teach AI literacy to help students understand, evaluate, and use such content responsibly?
Constructive
Debater 1 Loren AI literacy should be taught in schools because it strengthens the skills students need in everyday life. Students now encounter AI-generated texts, images, and voices that can easily mislead or spread false information. Learning how to check sources, identify original content, and compare claims across reliable outlets would only enhance critical reading and media awareness. AI literacy also promotes ethical use by teaching when AI can support learning and when it becomes plagiarism. The Passaic school district in New Jersey has successfully incorporated AI literacy across grade levels, demonstrating that it can be taught effectively.
Debater 2 Olivia AI literacy should not be required in schools because it may weaken core subjects rather than support them. Teachers already struggle to fit reading, writing, and comprehension into their limited class time, and adding AI lessons could divert schools’ focus from these essentials. AI technology also changes rapidly, making school lessons outdated within a short time. Instead of strengthening learning, AI literacy classes may inadvertently push classrooms toward monitoring technology use rather than building strong, lasting academic skills that students need most. Rebuttal
Debater 1 Loren You state that AI literacy would weaken core subjects, but ignoring AI does not protect learning. It leaves students unprepared for the texts they already face daily. AI literacy does not require constant updates on tools. It focuses on stable skills such as questioning credibility, recognizing manipulation, and understanding how technology shapes information. These skills support core subjects, not replace them. Without guidance, students will still use AI on their own, often in an incorrect manner. Teaching AI literacy in school would provide structure, clarity, and fairness, reducing confusion and misuse outside the classroom.
Debater 2 Olivia You assume AI literacy must be taught in school to prepare students, but schools are not the only place students can learn digital skills. Media literacy programs already exist to address these issues. Making AI literacy mandatory in school also risks unequal implementation. Schools with fewer resources may lack training or materials to provide classes on the same level as those with far more, thus widening gaps between students. Rather than adding another subject, schools should focus on strengthening foundational skills that apply across all texts, regardless of how technology changes.
Judge’s Comments
Both sides presented clear, well-structured arguments.Loren emphasized preparation for a changing information landscape, while Olivia raised strong concerns about time, equity, and priorities. Which side do you fall on?
May For The Junior Times junior/1768815094/1613368104
1. Who thinks AI literacy strengthens the critical media awareness?
2. What specific skills does AI literacy focus on for students?
3. Why does Olivia worry about adding lessons to the schedule?
4. How did the New Jersey district teach AI literacy effectively?
1. Do you think AI will change your future job?
2. Should we use AI to help write school reports?
3. How can we identify fake images created by AI?
4. What is your opinion on this topic?
Introduction
