{
    "title": "Demir backs pen-and-paper learning as AI use grows in schools",
    "modified_at": "2026-05-21 08:14:31",
    "published_at": "2026-05-21 08:14:00",
    "url": "https://www.belganewsagency.eu/demir-backs-pen-and-paper-learning-as-ai-use-grows-in-schools",
    "short_url": "http://prez.ly/omHd",
    "culture": "en_BE",
    "language": "EN",
    "slug": "demir-backs-pen-and-paper-learning-as-ai-use-grows-in-schools",
    "body": "<p><strong>Flemish Education minister Zuhal Demir has called for schools to place more focus on pen-and-paper learning after a new study found widespread use of artificial intelligence among teenagers.</strong></p><p>The Apenstaartjaren study showed that 77% of secondary school pupils use AI tools at least once a week. Around two-thirds said they use AI to help with homework. Many admitted hiding the extent of their use from teachers and parents.</p><p>Demir said schools must set clear limits on AI use. &ldquo;AI is already in the classroom, but not always visibly,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;Education is about learning to think, not just getting answers.&rdquo;</p><p>She stressed that she is not against AI, but warned that relying too heavily on it could weaken pupils&rsquo; ability to think independently. Demir argued that writing by hand helps students understand, structure and remember information better.</p><blockquote><em>&rdquo;Education is about learning to think, not just getting answers&rdquo;</em></blockquote><p>The minister also pointed to international findings suggesting pupils who spend less time on screens often perform better in concentration and understanding.</p><p>The same study found that smartphone use among teenagers has fallen from 66% to 56% over the past two years, following the introduction of school smartphone bans in Flanders.</p><p>According to the research, 53% of pupils said they now talk more with classmates during breaks, while 37% reported feeling less distracted in lessons.</p><p>Demir said the ban was helping create &ldquo;calm and focus&rdquo; in schools. However, about half of pupils said the rules are only partly followed, with some students still secretly using their phones during the school day.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><sup>\u200b#FlandersNewsService | &copy; BELGA PHOTO DAVID STOCKMAN </sup></p><p>&nbsp;</p>",
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    "author": {
        "first_name": "Flanders",
        "last_name": "News Service"
    },
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