Academics are sounding the alarm on Meta’s new range of smart glasses, which have been described as like having a “phone on your face”.

They are concerned governments and schools aren’t prepared for the technology, which is able to scan documents, answer questions and capture covert video and audio recordings.

The glasses are readily available and are flying off the shelves, with the backing of some Hollywood star power, including Chris Hemsworth.

Now, researchers are worried the glasses will be misused, and that extends to behaviour in schools and universities. The glasses can scan exam papers, solve equations, scan documents and translate languages, as well as act like a phone. They connect to Meta platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram, and can also livestream.

Some experts believe they could be exploited by kids in the learning process. To mitigate the risk, academics are calling for conversations to be had about why people need the glasses and how exactly they intend to use them.