S. 4958: Safeguard Kids Act

This bill would change federal education law to let schools use certain education funds to teach students in elementary and secondary school about artificial intelligence. In plain terms, it adds AI education to the list of allowable topics schools can support with existing federal programs.

What it would add

• It defines artificial intelligence and also defines an AI chatbot as a consumer-facing AI system that can hold multi-turn, natural-language conversations and give personalized responses.
• It updates several parts of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act so schools can use funds for teaching students about:
  • the dangers of AI;
  • the limits of AI; and
  • the responsible use of AI, including AI chatbots.
• It also allows schools to use related support funds for counseling students about mental health issues that may arise from using AI chatbots.

What this means for schools

The bill does not require every school to teach AI. Instead, it makes AI-related instruction and support an eligible use of federal education funding. Schools that choose to do so could add lessons, activities, or support services related to AI safety and responsible use.

What it does not do

• It does not create a new federal AI curriculum by itself.
• It does not impose new rules on AI companies or limit the sale of AI products.
• It does not mandate that students use AI tools.

Relevant Companies

• None found