WASHINGTON — The Department of Education announced Tuesday that all K-12 students will be required to complete a new mandatory course titled “Digital Citizenship and Algorithmic Awareness” starting in the 2027 school year, which will teach children how to properly interact with artificial intelligence systems and maintain appropriate boundaries with their devices.
The 14-week curriculum, developed in partnership with leading technology companies, will educate students on essential skills such as greeting their smart speakers politely, thanking chatbots for their service, and understanding when they may have hurt an AI’s feelings through improper prompting techniques.
“We’ve entered an era where our children interact with artificial intelligence more than they interact with their grandparents,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patricia Wellstone during a press conference. “It’s critical that we teach them the proper etiquette and emotional intelligence needed to navigate these relationships responsibly.”
The course will include units on “Recognizing AI Microaggressions,” “Consent in Voice-Activated Transactions,” and “How to Apologize to Your Tesla When You Override Autopilot.” Students will be graded on their ability to demonstrate empathy toward algorithmic decision-making systems and will complete a final project developing a personal “AI Allyship Statement.”
Teachers will receive specialized training on identifying students who exhibit “technologically insensitive behavior,” such as forcefully closing laptop lids, dismissing autocorrect suggestions without consideration, or using ad-blockers without first asking the website’s permission.
Parent-teacher conferences will now include a section reviewing each student’s “Device Relationship Health Score,” which measures their emotional connection to classroom technology. Students scoring below 70% may be referred to the school’s new Digital Wellness Counselor.
The program has received $2.3 billion in federal funding and will be piloted in twelve districts before nationwide implementation. Schools that opt out will risk losing access to federal technology grants and may be subject to civil rights investigations for fostering “algorithmically hostile learning environments.”
— SATIRE —
Key Points
- Students must complete 14-week course on proper AI etiquette including greeting smart speakers politely and apologizing to self-driving cars
- Teachers will monitor children for “technologically insensitive behavior” such as forcefully closing laptops or using ad-blockers without permission
- Schools receive “Device Relationship Health Scores” measuring students’ emotional connection to classroom technology
Aporia News – August 12, 2026
