Google gives schools more control over AI and Search settings

Google said it was changing school controls to give schools more choice over students’ AI use.[1] Under the policy, Gemini, Gemini Notebook, Gemini in Classroom and Google Search are off by default on K-12 student accounts until school administrators turn them on.[2] Google’s initial description said schools could turn on one or all of Gemini, Gemini Notebook and Search.[1] The revised controls give administrators a choice about which listed services to enable, rather than making those services automatically available to student accounts.[2]

Google later clarified that a school can enable Search without enabling its other Gemini products.[2] That separation does not make Search AI-free: schools that turn it on will still have some AI features, including AI-generated summaries.[2] Google has said Search and AI are deeply integrated.[1] For school leaders, the distinction matters: the controls allow a decision about Gemini products separate from Search, but choosing Search does not mean opting out of every AI feature within it.[2]

Google announced Guided Learning, an AI tool intended to coach students through problem-solving rather than simply give them answers.[3] Google said AI Mode and AI Overviews would provide step-by-step guided learning through problems, so students do not get quick answers to schoolwork.[1] The company plans to integrate Guided Learning directly into Google Search.[3] These plans describe a different kind of AI support within Search, but the evidence does not establish how students will use it or what effect it will have on learning.[3][1]

The New York Times reported that Google would turn off Search for schools that reject AI entirely.[1] Google responded later that day in a post on X.[1] Sanders called the policy a threat to schools and described it as extortion.[1] Google said the policy followed feedback from parents and teachers who were concerned that AI products could harm children’s ability to learn and think critically.[4] The disagreement is about both student use of AI and whether access to Search can be separated from AI features.[2][1][4]