Week in Edtech 8/27/25: Teen Suicide Linked to ChatGPT, Bill Ackman’s Alpha School Debate, OpenAI Expands in India and Eyes UK Deal, Anthropic’s Higher Ed Report on Augmentation vs. Automation, and More!

Sep 5, 2025

This week delves into the alarming link between teen mental health and AI, specifically ChatGPT. The discussion highlights how AI could shape job opportunities for recent grads and draws parallels to past tech-related moral panics. Bill Ackman sparks debate over AI-driven education with his Alpha School model, raising questions about its implications. OpenAI's expansion plans and Anthropic’s emphasis on augmentation over automation in higher education are also key topics, driving the urgency for responsible AI practices in classrooms.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

Host Predicted Serious AI Harms

Alex recounts predictions they made earlier that AI-linked suicides would appear.
He stresses people often jump to causal conclusions linking ChatGPT to teen suicide without full context.

ADVICE

Pair Tech With Accountability

Do not treat AI as purely the tool's fault; focus on accountability and safeguards.
Ben Kornell advises combining tech solutions with policy and moderation to reduce harm.

ADVICE

Delay Unfettered AI For Younger Kids

Delay kids' access to unfettered AI until cognitive maturity to reduce vulnerability.
Ben suggests policy or parental rules similar to 'wait until eight' phone guidance for AI use.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Send us Fan Mail

Join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they navigate a week of heavy headlines in education technology—from AI risks and teen safety to global expansion moves by OpenAI and new research from Anthropic.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:02:20] AI panic in the headlines with concerns about teen mental health, suicide, and youth dependency
[00:06:33] AI’s impact on job opportunities for new college graduates
[00:08:00] Comparing AI anxieties with past moral panics about video games, music, and social platforms
[00:14:14] Why AI guardrails in school tools may be the edtech industry’s biggest value-add
[00:18:54] Bill Ackman’s New York Alpha School fuels debate over AI-driven education models
[00:22:20] The risk of Alpha School becoming the “face” of AI schooling for better or worse
[00:25:28] OpenAI expands globally with a new Head of Education in India and a potential UK-wide ChatGPT deal
[00:27:26] Anthropic’s higher ed report shows educators using AI more to augment than automate

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!

Follow our Podcast on:
Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.
Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!

🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

Cooley LLP is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.