The use of artificial intelligence (AI) has surged, with around 30% of teens using AI chatbots daily, including 16% who use them multiple times a day.* While AI offers benefits, it also raises safety concerns for parents.
What is AI?
AI is technology that mimics human thinking and decision-making.
Examples: Virtual assistants (Siri, Alexa) and chatbots (ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot).
Risks to Watch for:
- Deepfakes & Misinformation: AI-generated, realistic fake videos/images can deceive children.
- Strong Attachment: Children are turning to AI for companionship.
- Privacy Concerns: Apps may collect, store, and use child data for training.
- Dangerous Content: Risk of exposure to harmful, adult-oriented conversations with AI companions, including self-harm and suicide.
Tips for Parents:
- Monitor for overuse: Overreliance on AI bots might prevent your child from socializing with people or getting quality sleep at night.
- Set Boundaries: Define when it is okay to use AI. Try using parental controls to set screen & content limits.
- Discuss that not all information online is true: Ask, “How would you do this without AI?” or “How do you know that answer is accurate?”
- Co-Explore: Use AI tools together with your child to understand how they work.
More Resources
*Teens, social media, and AI chatbots (Pew Research Center)
“Artificial intelligence and adolescent well-being” (American Psychological Association)
Call, text, or chat 988 for mental health and substance crisis support.