Written by Katya Bozdogan, Mentor of Turkish Teens for Peace Education Hub and an EFL teacher with 30 years of experience teaching in private schools in Ankara, Turkey. Ela Ugurlu and Beren Nisa Kutsal, the ambassadors of our Turkish Teens for Peace Education Hub, made significant contributions to this blog as well.
With AI at the core of modern education, one challenge that becomes increasingly important for the mentor working with EFL learners is how to use AI as a useful tool without allowing it to replace authentic language development. As ambassadors of the Global Co Lab Network, we work with teenagers from all over the world who use English as their common foreign language. Our experience clearly shows that while AI supports learning, it also risks weakening the very skills students need most.
How AI Shapes Teen Learning
Nowadays, students aged 12-15 rely on AI to research, write, proofread, and create visuals for school and international youth projects. Such tools increase productivity and confidence, especially among multilingual teens. However, they also raise concerns regarding a decrease in critical thinking, over-dependence on technology, and the loss of authenticity in student work, particularly in an EFL context where natural practice is essential.
The Authenticity Question
One of the challenges we often face is the reliability of the AI-detection tools. This is witnessed when, for instance, students submitted a completely original article to an international program; it was then highlighted as “84% AI-generated.” This experience has shown a bigger issue: how to differentiate between real student effort and AI assistance.
Supporting Real Language Development
While AI can help students organize writing or expand their vocabulary, it can’t replace the depth of learning that comes from conversations, collaboration, reading, and personal expression. To make further advancement from A2 toward B2 or C1 CEFR levels, teens need consistent exposure to authentic language, project-based work and international collaboration rather than AI shortcuts.
Guidelines for Mindful AI Use
To help students use AI responsibly, we encourage:
- asking clear, specific questions
- critically reviewing AI outputs
- adding personal voice and reflection:
- treating AI as a model, not an author
- seeking guidance from teachers and mentors
A Balanced Future
AI is here to stay. When used thoughtfully, it enhances digital literacy and reinforces language learning. True communication, though, as well as true creativity and critical thinking, stay profoundly human. As Global Co Lab ambassadors, we want to help teenagers find their balance: embracing AI as a supportive partner while safeguarding authentic learning and real-world expression.
For those interested in hearing more about the work our Turkish Teens for Peace Education Hub has done to address the use of AI in a global education setting, please check out their presentation at the 2025 GLOW Conference Here!
The Global Co Lab Network empowers teens around the world to take action on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through its free virtual programs. Learn more here about how teens take action on SDG #4 (Quality Education), SDG #13 (Climate Action), and SDG #17 (Partnerships for the Goals), and follow the Co Lab’s work on Instagram @GlobalCoLabNetwork.
