Common Sense Media: A One-Stop AI Resource for Educators and Parents

The world can feel like it’s spinning too fast for educators trying to keep up with how their students use artificial intelligence (AI) and how they might leverage various tools to benefit all their students. Knowing where to go to find quick lesson plans about AI and the latest research is an extra task for people already operating at full capacity.

Sites like Common Sense Media (CSM) are helpful for teachers, parents, and administrators to learn the basics of AI and keep up with advancements. 

Common Sense Media has established itself as a reputable source for evaluating media and technology’s influence in education—with special attention on AI. They partner with organizations to research and produce insightful reports like “Teen and Young Adult Perspectives on Generative AI.” That report resulted from a partnership with CSM, Harvard, and Hopelab. 

In a May video interview, Jamie Nuñez, the Western Regional Manager at Common Sense Media, spoke with Ed Post about how AI can improve education for marginalized students.

While AI tools have enormous potential to “level the playing field,” it’s essential we don’t assume that everyone has equal access to the same quality of resources. (For example, ChatGPT has a premium version.)

If schools can use AI thoughtfully and constructively, educators could have a powerful ally in keeping students engaged. 

Educators

For teachers, CSM offers simple lessons and other tools to promote AI literacy in the classroom. Their content helps break down concepts into something students (grades 6-12) can understand while offering practical advice on using apps and programs responsibly. 

CSM emphasizes that educators and parents must be aware of AI’s flaws, such as the prevalence of “hallucinations” and how biases in source material affect photos, videos, and text created by AI.   

Some teachers will have an easier time integrating AI than others. They should be encouraged to seek support and advice from others who have already done it. 

Parents

Parents often feel like they’re playing catch-up when it comes to new technologies, and AI is no exception. 

CSM’s resources explain how AI tools work, what kids might encounter, and how to talk about the ethical and safety concerns that come with them. It’s not about fear—it’s about helping parents feel equipped to guide their kids as they explore this new terrain.

The site even tackles tricky questions like, “Should my child use AI tools for homework?” in a balanced and realistic way. We know kids will use AI, and as the report from CSM, Harvard, and HopeLab showed, it isn’t always used for cheating, as many educators fear. However, AI influences kids more than they might realize, so discussing CSM’s Risk Assessments for different social media apps or AI programs could be eye-opening for parents and their children.  

School Leaders

Administrators face the tough task of deciding how to bring AI into schools while protecting student privacy, staying aligned with educational goals, and ensuring teachers know how to use the tools properly.

CSM’s resources offer practical guidance on evaluating AI-powered tools and developing policies to ensure they’re used responsibly and an extensive selection of professional development resources—articles, regularly scheduled webinars, and self-paced courses.

For decision-makers, this is an invaluable starting point to understand the risks and rewards of integrating AI into classrooms and district systems.

A Focus on Equity and Marginalized Students

CSM highlights how AI tools, when implemented thoughtfully, can help address gaps in education for marginalized students. At the same time, CSM doesn’t shy away from discussing the risks. 

They emphasize the importance of ensuring that AI tools are free from bias and accessible to all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background. It’s a critical reminder that technology itself isn’t a silver bullet—it’s how we use it that determines whether it helps or harms.

By prioritizing equity, CSM challenges educators, parents, and administrators to think about AI not just as a tool for innovation but as an opportunity to create a fairer and more inclusive education system.

If you’re an educator looking to bring AI into your classroom, a parent trying to make sense of what your kids are using, or a school leader building policies for a new age of technology, CSM’s resources are worth your time.