Research has demonstrated that the employment of advanced language models such as ChatGPT can markedly elevate the academic performance and higher-order thinking skills of K-12 students, resulting in an overall improvement in learning outcomes of approximately 86.7%. This study, conducted through a meticulous meta-analysis of 51 randomized double-blind experiments, unveils that following the use of ChatGPT, students' academic achievements improved by an average of 0.867 standard deviations, while their higher-order thinking skills witnessed an increase of 0.457 standard deviations. Furthermore, ChatGPT alleviates students' mental strain, ignites their learning motivation, and offers prompt feedback and tailored guidance in skills-based courses. With appropriate oversight and the judicious use of AI tools, the impact on students' independent thinking abilities can be effectively managed, underscoring the immense potential of AI applications within the realm of education.