AI Skills Gap: Youth Confident, Educators Need Support, Actua Report Reveals

OTTAWA, ON, June 23, 2025 /CNW/ - A new report from Actua, a leading Canadian STEM outreach organization, reveals that young Canadians are entering the age of artificial intelligence (AI) with remarkable enthusiasm and confidence in their abilities. More than 90 per cent of youth ages 12-18 report using AI, whether to help with schoolwork or outside of school for their own interest, but many are currently learning about AI on their own. That comes with its own set of challenges, where youth may learn how to use AI tools, but lack awareness about important ethical questions and how to use these tools responsibly.

The report, based on survey responses from Canadian educators, youth, and parents and caregivers, highlights a critical challenge: 84 per cent of youth say they have more to learn about AI, but many educators feel unprepared to teach and talk about AI effectively. As well, while they are optimistic about AI overall, parents have concerns about risks like misinformation, cheating and misuse, including creating deepfakes.

"Our research shows enthusiasm and momentum, but also clear gaps in preparedness," says Jennifer Flanagan, CEO of Actua. "By investing in educators and making AI-skill building accessible across Canada, we can ensure youth are equipped not just to use AI, but to lead and shape it for themselves and Canada's innovation future."

While 71 per cent of youth believe they can use AI effectively, only 38 per cent of educators agree, a perception gap further highlighting the urgent need for skill development on both sides. Nearly half of educators also worry that AI could negatively impact skills like creativity, writing and critical thinking – concerns that reinforce the need for thoughtful, supported integration of AI into learning.

The good news? Both educators and youth are eager to learn. The survey revealed that 78 per cent of educators acknowledge that there is room to improve their skills to use and teach AI and would likely participate in accessible, AI-focused professional development. This strong demand signals a clear opportunity to support educators in their AI skill-building.

In response to these findings, Actua has launched its national AI Ready Project, a comprehensive initiative designed to empower Canadian youth, educators and parents throughout Canada with the technical skills and ethical understanding needed to navigate the age of AI. Through hands-on workshops, professional development for teachers and resources for parents, Actua aims to build an AI-ready generation.

Parents, caregivers and educators can visit acuta.ca/AIready for resources and more information. Additional resources are in development, informed by insights from this national study.

Report Highlights

Actua commissioned Abacus Data to conduct two national surveys (in November 2024 for educators; in February 2025 for youth/parents). The first survey captured the views of 502 educators across Canada. The second survey included 1,000 young Canadians (aged 12-18) and their parents or caregivers.

• Just under half of educators believe AI worsens students' writing (49 per cent), critical and independent thinking (48 per cent), and creativity (44 per cent) skills.
• Despite 87 per cent of teachers trying AI to help with work or in the classroom, few use it regularly due to ethical concerns, data privacy, insufficient skills or lack of trust.
• Only 48 per cent of educators feel skilled in using AI tools in the classroom.
• Even fewer feel skilled to teach responsible (46 per cent) or effective (42 per cent) AI use.
• 8 per cent of surveyed educators report their school or board prohibits AI use altogether.
• Nearly 4 in 5 teachers would likely participate in AI-focused professional development if available.
• Educators (85 per cent) and parents (76 per cent) share concerns about inaccurate information from AI.
• Concerns also exist among educators (84 per cent) and parents (74 per cent) regarding cheating/plagiarism with AI.
• Youth express considerably less worry about these AI risks compared to educators and parents.
• A large majority of youth (84 per cent) agree they have more to learn about AI.
• While 58 per cent of educators have talked to students about AI, only 41 per cent have taught them how to use AI tools.
• 65 per cent of students report learning how to use AI through social media or online content.
• Only 27 per cent of youth have attended out-of-school AI learning programs (like camps or clubs).

About Actua

Actua is creating a Canada where every child has the skills and confidence they need to achieve their full potential. As a leading science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) outreach organization, Actua includes over 40 universities and colleges, engaging 500,000 youth in 600 communities each year. For 25 years, Actua has focused on identifying and removing the barriers for entry into STEM and now have national programs dedicated to engaging Indigenous youth, girls and young women, Black youth, those facing economic barriers and youth in Northern and remote communities. Actua's work is made possible thanks to the support of its major funding partners, including the Government of Canada, Suncor Energy Foundation, TD Bank Group, Toyota Canada Foundation, Enbridge, CIBC Foundation, Scotiabank, Cenovus, Imperial and Microsoft Canada Inc.

SOURCE Actua

Greer Rynax, [email protected], [phone]