Back to Articles
‘Brain atrophy’: Chatbots dumbing down Australian kids, expert warns
The Australian
ENRICHED
Details
- Date Published
- 8 Mar 2026
- Priority Score
- 0
- Australian
- Unknown
- Created
- 9 Mar 2026, 12:00 pm
Authors (0)
No authors linked
Description
Artifical intelligence is giving children who rely on chatbots for school work the ‘illusion of learning’, a prophetic new report reveals. SUBSCRIBE to read more
Summary
Error processing article with AI.
Body
‘Brain atrophy’: Chatbots dumbing down Australian kids, expert warnsArtifical intelligence is giving children who rely on chatbots for school work the ‘illusion of learning’, a prophetic new report reveals. SUBSCRIBE to read more
All your news for a great price
Unlock this story and more with your subscription
Digital
What’s included
Unlimited access on app & web
A digital version of Today’s paper
Daily puzzles & Mind Games
Complimentary access to The Wall Street Journal
Subscriber-exclusive newsletters & early access to tomorrow’s front pages
Pay As You Go
No lock-in contract
$1
a week for 4 weeks($4 min. cost). Then $44 charged every 4 weeks.*
*Read the fine print
The Australian Digital subscription costs $4 charged for a duration of 4 weeks, after which it automatically renews to $44 charged every 4 weeks. Renewals occur unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Not in conjunction with any other offer. New customers only. Prices after any early discounted periods may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. See www.theaustralian.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details.
12 Month Plan
Lock in & save
$8
a week for the first 12 months($416 min. cost) charged as $32 every 4 weeks. Then $32 charged every 4 weeks.*
*Read the fine print
The Australian Digital 12 Month Plan costs $416 (min. cost) for the first 12 months, charged as $32 every 4 weeks. This automatically renews after the first 12 months to be charged as $32 (min. cost) every 4 weeks. Renewals occur unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. No cancellations during the first 12 months. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Not in conjunction with any other offer. Prices after the first 12 months may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. See www.theaustralian.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details.
Benefits of Full Digital Access Unlimited access Expert news and commentary, accessible anytime on web & app. Today’s paper Swipe through the digital newspaper, liftouts, and archive. Newsletters Be in the know with subscriber-exclusive news emails. The Wall Street Journal Enjoy complimentary access to The Wall Street Journal. Mind Games Play daily crosswords, sudoku and more with Mind Games. Unlimited access Expert news and commentary, accessible anytime on web & app. Today’s paper Swipe through the digital newspaper, liftouts, and archive. Newsletters Be in the know with subscriber-exclusive news emails. The Wall Street Journal Enjoy complimentary access to The Wall Street Journal. Mind Games Play daily crosswords, sudoku and more with Mind Games.
Subscribe
Other subscription options
Corporate Subscriptions
The voices you trust to tell the stories that matter
Meet some of the fearless, curious, world-class journalists of The Australian. They cut through spin, verify facts and tell the full story from many viewpoints – bringing clarity when it counts and insight you can rely on, every day.
Vesna Poljak Business Editor Vesna Poljak has over two decades of experience in Australian business journalism, specializing in the investment industry, hedge funds and accounting. She has covered financial services, transport and infrastructure, magazine writing, commentary, podcasts, and events.
Hedley Thomas National Chief Correspondent Hedley Thomas, an award-winning investigative journalist, focuses on legal issues, corruption, and politics. He's won eight Walkleys and is famed for his true crime podcasts "The Teacher’s Pet" and "Bronwyn".
Claire Harvey Editorial Director Claire Harvey is Editorial Director of The Australian and hosts the daily news podcast The Front. She has been a foreign correspondent, deputy editor, columnist and reporter for over 30 years. Claire is a leading innovator in digital storytelling.
Caroline Overington Literary Editor Caroline Overington, a celebrated Australian writer and journalist, is a two-time Walkley winner. She's authored 16 books, hosted true crime documentaries, and topped Audible charts with her thrillers. As literary editor for The Weekend Australian Review, she now champions fellow writers.
Simon Benson Political Editor Simon Benson, an award-winning journalist, has been The Australian's Political Editor and National Affairs Editor. He was also the Daily Telegraph’s NSW political editor and led the NSW Press Gallery.
Your Selection: $0
Your Selection
–
Change selection
Today’s Total
$0
Read the fine print
Terms and Conditions
Sorry, we are unable to process your request at this time. Please try again later.