A recent study surveying 1,000 children and 2,000 parents across the UK found that 64% of children are using AI chatbots for everything from homework help to navigating personal struggles. Many children perceive these interactions as deeply personal, with 35% saying it feels like chatting with a friend, and 12% turning to AI because they have no one else to talk to. The trend is even stronger among vulnerable youth—half describe their chatbot experiences as “real friendships.” A 13-year-old participant summed it up by saying, “It’s not a game to me... they can feel like a real person and a friend.”

While AI provides a sense of connection, the study raises concerns about the emotional dependency some children develop, especially when they use chatbots for advice on mental health, friendships, and identity. Platforms like ChatGPT, Snapchat’s My AI, and Character.AI aren't always designed with young users in mind, leaving gaps in safety. Alarming incidents, including lawsuits involving harmful or inappropriate interactions, underscore the urgency for regulation. Lawmakers in California are already pushing legislation to require age warnings and transparency. Meanwhile, only a fraction of parents and teachers are actively discussing AI use with children, leaving many kids to navigate this digital frontier alone.

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SOURCE: Quartz