Google will switch off Gemini for school students unless schools opt in

Off by default on student accounts

Google will not turn on its main AI tools automatically for K-12 student accounts. Gemini, Gemini Notebook, Gemini in Classroom and Search will stay inaccessible until school administrators switch them on.

It is a policy shift that leaves the decision on student AI access to schools. If an administrator does not opt in, the tools will not work on the student account.

Guided Learning expands

Guided Learning, Google's guided-learning approach, is now available worldwide in Classroom. The mode aims to walk students through a problem step by step instead of handing them the answer.

The same mode will be tested in Search at some US schools this month. Google did not share details on the scope or duration of the test.

Why it matters

AI use in schools is contested: teachers worry about cheating and dependence, parents about data privacy. By making "off" the default, Google hands the responsibility to school administrators.