Japan survey reveals massive AI use among school kids — almost no rules in sight
A new survey from Nifty, a Japanese internet provider, found 84% of elementary students and 80.4% of junior high students have used AI digital assistants like Alexa or Siri. The poll took place between March and April 2025, with 1,430 valid responses from kids visiting Nifty’s site.
While fewer kids use ChatGPT due to age restrictions and parental consent rules, over half still do. Exactly 50.7% of elementary and 62.5% of junior high students have tried ChatGPT. AI usage for studying or homework is also high: 36.6% of elementary and 44.6% of junior high students said yes. 
Kids use AI in basic ways like essay structuring, math help, and homework checking. Some admitted using AI to write entire essays for them.
The shocking part:
87.5% of kids say their schools or homes have no clear rules about AI use.
This gap leaves a lot open for debate on how AI should fit into education and daily life in Japan.
