– Press Release –
Students Sound the Alarm: Education Falls Short on AI and Mental Health

The survey provides a unique perspective, as it reflects the voices of students themselves – complementing De Staat van het Onderwijs 2025 (The State of Education), a report published by De Onderwijsinspectie (the Dutch Inspectorate of Education) in April. That report highlighted that many schools are struggling to integrate digital skills into the curriculum, with significant disparities between schools and students in terms of digital literacy.

Meanwhile, students’ use of AI is rising rapidly. The Futurewhiz survey confirms this trend: 77% of students use AI tools for school assignments, with one in three doing so on a weekly basis. This shows that students are adopting AI far more quickly than schools. Many educational institutions are failing to provide adequate guidance: nearly two-thirds of secondary school students receive no instruction on how to use AI, and 58% are not taught how to use it safely. At the same time, 83% of respondents believe that AI and digital tools actually help them to learn better.

The student survey also adds important nuance to the findings of De Onderwijsinspectie on mental health. Academic pressure, a lack of trusted adults to confide in, and difficult home situations are undermining the resilience of many young people. Although 71% of students report generally feeling mentally well, half experience stress due to schoolwork, with girls particularly affected. More than a third (36%) feel that mental health is insufficiently addressed at school, while 38% say they do not feel safe enough to talk about it. Students facing challenges at home are especially vulnerable to mental health issues and tend to feel greater performance pressure.

For many of the students surveyed by Futurewhiz, equal opportunity is an issue that exists more in the background. According to De Staat van het Onderwijs, inequality of opportunity remains a persistent problem. Students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and those with a migrant background structurally face fewer opportunities. Financial stress at home and school-related expenses make it even harder for these students, often resulting in learning delays and increased dropout rates.

While 85% of students in the Futurewhiz survey say they feel treated equally at school, some still face barriers. Thirteen percent worry about costs related to education, such as private tutoring, school trips or buying a laptop. The same percentage report that their home situation negatively affects their school performance. Equal treatment, then, does not automatically result in equal opportunities – especially when circumstances outside of school hinder students’ development.

The student survey highlights that students especially experience difficulties in the areas of AI and mental wellbeing. The findings echo the concerns of the De Onderwijsinspectie, which urges schools and policymakers to take action. Addressing these issues also helps to improve access to educational opportunities and promotes greater equality.

Futurewhiz is calling on schools and teachers to work alongside students to develop a curriculum that prepares young people for the world of tomorrow. Digital literacy is essential: without sufficient support, students risk falling behind in an increasingly digital society.

“Students are not just recipients of education – they are vital partners in shaping it,” says Jeroen Munk, CEO of Futurewhiz. “Because we engage with students every day, we understand what matters to them – and where the education system still has blind spots, such as support with AI and digital skills. By placing their voice at the centre, we can make education more relevant, inclusive, and future-proof.”

// END OF PRESS RELEASE //

About the Survey
The survey was conducted in May 2025 by Futurewhiz, the company behind Squla and StudyGo. A total of 2,053 secondary school students completed an online questionnaire via the StudyGo practice platform. The questionnaire was developed in response to De Staat van het Onderwijs 2025 and gauges students’ own views on their school experience and the quality of education provided. The sample included a diverse mix of ages, educational tracks (vmbo, havo, vwo), and backgrounds. Of the participants, 64% identified as female and 32% as male.

About Futurewhiz
Futurewhiz is the company behind Squla and StudyGo – digital learning platforms used daily by over a million children, students, teachers, and parents. Futurewhiz believes that every child should have the chance to reach their full potential, regardless of background or ability. By harnessing technology to deliver personalised and motivating education, Futurewhiz contributes to better learning outcomes for all children. Want to learn more about Futurewhiz’s impact? Read the 2024–2025 Impact Report here.