American parents rethink education: AI, cellphones, and life skills over degrees

A new survey reveals shifting opinions among American parents about education priorities and classroom tools. Support for cellphones in classrooms has climbed, while career readiness and life skills remain top concerns. Parents also show strong backing for AI and school choice programmes. The survey highlights key trends in education preferences. Support for allowing cellphones in classrooms has increased by five percentage points. Meanwhile, 60% of school parents now support the use of AI in teaching, with private school parents showing more enthusiasm at 77% compared to 53% of public school parents.

Career and life skills are major priorities for families. Only 28% of parents see a four-year degree as essential for career success. Instead, 54% believe their child’s school is effectively preparing students for future jobs. Half of the parents also feel students are ready to collaborate with others and handle adult responsibilities.

School choice and academic needs are driving decisions. Support for Education Savings Accounts remains strong. However, 24% of parents have switched schools due to unmet academic expectations. Bullying is the top reason for changing schools, cited by 33% of families. The findings show parents prioritise practical skills over traditional degrees. Many support modern tools like AI and mobile devices in education. School choice and addressing bullying remain critical factors in parental decisions.