Are We Outsourcing Our Kids’ Brains?

The damage is already being done

May 21, 2025

Today’s Summary!

Before you dive in, here’s the quick download on why this issue might be the most important one we’ve published yet:

  • A high school teacher reports a shocking drop in critical thinking among 9th graders, possibly tied to AI use and tech overexposure.

  • Neuroscience shows kids need mental struggle to develop the prefrontal cortex, not shortcuts, scrolling, or AI doing their thinking.

  • As parents, we must teach kids to use AI, not depend on it, or risk raising a generation with underdeveloped executive function.

Is AI Rewiring Our Kids’ Brains?

Something is amiss in schools.

They are reporting that students are showing signs of diminished thinking skills. One teacher referred to the drop in brain power this year as “shocking."

And it's not just from TikTok and social media.

What's new this year?

AI, of course.

Programs like ChatGPT are now in every kid's pocket.

And when a child starts using AI to do their thinking for them — before their brain is fully developed — it may have long-term consequences we’re only beginning to understand.

The Part of the Brain That’s Still Under Construction

The prefrontal cortex is the last part of the brain to fully develop. It controls things like:

* Focus

* Planning

* Decision-making

* Self-control

* Problem-solving

This part of the brain doesn't finish developing until around age 25.

In adolescence, it's like wet cement; still hardening, still linking up on what it's used for.

The more your child thinks for themselves — reading, writing, grappling with a difficult question — the more this part of the brain is strengthened.

But if they're having AI fill in the blanks?.

That cognitive effort disappears.

An Actual Example: The AI Essay Bypass

Imagine:

Your kid is assigned a short essay for school.

They go to ChatGPT, type in the prompt, and copy-paste the result into a Google Doc.

Done in 2 minutes.

They didn't organize their thoughts.

They didn't select their words.

They didn't get through the assignment.

And that implies their brain didn't build something.

No effort = no wiring.

Repeat that over and over?

The prefrontal cortex doesn’t just stay weak, it adapts to the shortcut.

We’re not saying kids shouldn’t use AI.

But if they’re using it instead of thinking — before their brains are built to think independently, we’re setting them up for serious problems down the line.

This isn’t just about cheating on homework.

It’s about stunting the very part of the brain that makes them capable, confident, and in control.

It's a world where the thinking can be automated, so it's our job to make sure that children can still do it.

AI Parenting Resource of the Day

Build a Better Brain: One Task, One Struggle, One Win

Here's a simple exercise you can do today to assist your child's prefrontal cortex to grow — no tech required.

Select one cognitively demanding activity your child will usually tend to avoid. One that requires focus, patience, or problem-solving.

Examples:

* Writing out a paragraph by hand

* Solving a challenging math problem without a calculator

* Reading two pages of a nonfiction book and summarizing it in their own words

* Creating simple dinner plans with a grocery list and recipe

Then do one thing: avoid helping.

Sit with them in the discomfort. Make them struggle with it.

Because that is where the brain grows.

➡️ Struggle builds neural resilience.

➡️ Reflection builds understanding.

➡️ Completion builds confidence and strength.

You don't need hours.

Even 15 focused minutes can start rewiring the way your child navigates challenge.

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Working together to future-proof the next generation!

AIVA (Artificial Intelligence. Very Aware.)
Your friendly guide to the AI era