Gov. Josh Shapiro recently hosted a roundtable at the West Chester Community Center to discuss pertinent topics related to artificial intelligence and technology in education, writes Carmen Russell-Sluchansky for WHYY.

Alongside Attorney General Dave Sunday, Rep. Chris Pielli, and local attendees, they covered the rise in harmful AI-generated images, digital literacy, cell phone usage, and legislation.

Parents and students in attendance expressed concern about recent AI-created images and videos that inappropriately depict students, and how responses from schools and police were disappointing. Navigating the legalities of artificial intelligence is difficult when there are no polices currently in place, leading to confusion and distress.

Students from area high schools recognize that guidance is needed, but that sometimes adults are also falling behind when it comes to rapidly advancing technology with weighty social effects. They’re advocating for more instruction about the implications of using AI, not just for homework purposes, but in real life.

“There’s so much talk about digital literacy and AI and deepfakes and things like that that happen, but I feel like a lot of the education isn’t actually coming to the students,” said Hannah Dean, a junior at West Chester East High School.

While Shapiro has already invested $300 million into school mental health resources, he knows more can be done. Lawmakers are trying to play catch up to the swath of AI-related issues that impact everyone.

“I think one of my takeaways from this is our Pennsylvania Department of Education has to get far more aggressive with school districts,” said Shapiro, “to build up, not just a curriculum for students, but really for parents and of course teachers.”

Read more about Gov. Josh Shapiro’s timely artificial intelligence discussion in West Chester at WHYY.

_____

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on VISTA.Today in March 2026.