AI and kids: What parents need to know

AI is everywhere. Recent research shows 73% of kids ages 13 to 18 say they’ve interacted with an AI chatbot/companion at least once and 50% of kids are using AI companions regularly. And yet, only 30% of parents are talking to their kids about AI usage.

Kids are also using AI in school and for homework, whether their parents or teachers realize it or not.

So how can parents be more in tune with how their kids are using AI – and help distinguish between beneficial uses of AI versus potentially harmful ones?

“There are more safeguards emerging around AI. It’s important for parents to take a balanced approach to understanding how and why their kids are using it,” says Betsy Kennard, Psy.D., Pediatric Psychologist at Children’s Health℠ and Professor of Psychiatry at UT Southwestern.

Dr. Kennard and Jamie Nguyen, Ph.D., Pediatric Psychologist at Children’s Health, help parents understand how kids are using AI and provide tips for how to help keep their usage as safe and healthy as possible.

What is AI and what are kids using it for?

AI stands for artificial intelligence, and it’s been around for many years. Artificial intelligence powers technology like SIRI or when Netflix provides movie recommendations based on what you've previously watched.

Generative AI (or gen AI) is a type of artificial intelligence that creates original content based on data it continuously learns from. Examples of gen AI are ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, DALL-E and Snapchat’s My AI.

In school, kids are using gen AI to help with assignments, brainstorm ideas and write essays and emails.

At home, kids are using gen AI to plan activities, get advice or create images to make their friends laugh.

Where are kids likely to encounter AI?

Kids are likely to encounter AI and chatbots when they are:

• Talking with friends

• Browsing on their computers

• At school

• Doing homework

• On social media

“Kids are going to come across AI somewhere. If they’re already using it, it’s more likely to come across their feed,” says Dr. Nguyen.

What are AI chatbots and how do kids use them?

AI chatbots and AI companions are computer programs that listen to us and then respond in friendly, human ways. Through regular interactions, chatbots learn from us.

More advanced chatbots allow users to create characters – and chat for hours on end. Some chatbots seem so human that they feel like trusted friends. Kids may be attracted to bots that seem to really “get” them.

Some kids are using AI chatbots to learn, get advice or for companionship.

What are some positive uses of AI?

AI can be a great learning tool. It can also help people tap into their creativity.

Dr. Nguyen recommends that families explore AI together – in ways that can be fun and educational. For example:

• As a family, you might use an AI app to help create original, silly songs about your pets.

• As a family, you might ask AI to create a riddle, a puzzle or set of trivia questions to do together.

• Individually, your child may use AI to practice a specific skill they need to work on, such as learning an instrument, language or practicing their social skills.

“Kids who need social skills practice can use AI to practice. But it’s important that these role plays don’t replace the need for in-person social skills practice,” says Dr. Nguyen.

Can AI relationships be dangerous?

Kids can turn to AI chatbots and AI relationships when they feel lonely and are looking for companionship or validation. But, for now, we don’t have enough research to say that AI relationships or interactions lead to increased depression, anxiety or loneliness.

According to Dr. Kennard, what we do know is:

• Poor mental health is correlated with increased time on screens. Kids with problematic screen use have more emotional and mental health symptoms.

• You don’t want to shame a child for using an AI companion. If you do, things are more likely to unfold in a negative way. Rather than shame, you can explain that AI is a tool, not a substitute for being with peers. Together, you can brainstorm ways to support more in-person connections, like getting involved in clubs, sports, church or school groups.

• Depression is something that comes and goes. One way to help break the cycle of depression in a child or teen is by helping them change their routines – like limiting their screentime or making sure they are going to bed earlier.

Warning signs that your child's use of AI might be dangerous

There are a few signs that your child’s use of AI may be unsafe, including if they:

• Feel distressed when they can’t access their AI companion.

• Get dysregulated when you tell them it’s time to get off their screen.

• Use an AI chatbot as their main social outlet.

• Act increasingly withdrawn or isolated.

• Try to hide their usage or their device from you.

• Have major mood changes.

“These cases of kids dying by suicide after interacting with an AI chatbot are very, very rare. But it’s still important for parents to monitor who their child is chatting with and what they are chatting about and to look for these warning signs,” says Dr. Kennard.

If you suspect your child is struggling with their mental health or may be showing signs of depression or signs of anxiety, it’s a good idea to talk to their pediatrician.

“I also regularly remind parents of how poor sleep is a big driver of mood problems, irritability and depression and how much screen time can rob kids of good sleep,” says Dr. Kennard.

Teaching media and AI literacy

Media literacy is the ability to question, understand and make sense of messages we see or hear on TV, social media, ads, videos and news.

These tips can help parents teach media and AI literacy and keep communication lines open:

• Use the golden rule. Teach your kids not to do anything to someone else that they wouldn’t want done to them. For example, if they’re going to use AI to change a photo of a classmate, it’s best to do it in a fun way and not in a potentially hurtful way.

• Emphasize that AI is a tool, not a relationship. Make sure your child knows that AI can’t replace real, human, in-person relationships.

• Teach them what’s OK to share. For example, sharing photos online or sharing your address is generally not a good way to stay safe online.

• Have a family tech plan. Create this plan with your child and make it more about your values as a family than how they’ll be punished for breaking the rules.

• Make sure they know to come to you. Let kids know that if they come across something online that makes them uncomfortable or feel unsafe, they need to let you know.

• Look for opportunities to show how information from AI can be incorrect. An example might be when AI is not actually answering the question you asked.

• Use parental controls. Parental controls and apps can help parents know what their kids are doing online and for how long. “But it’s important to be transparent if you’re monitoring everything your kid does, especially with teens,” says Dr. Kennard.

• Know that AI can’t replace learning. Teach your child that they can use AI to “double check” their work but not to write an entire essay for them.

Keep an open dialogue about AI

As AI continues to evolve, it’s important to stay curious and talk with your kid about it.

Try these prompts and questions to create an open dialogue about AI with your child:

• How are other kids and your teachers using AI at school?

• What are the pros and cons of AI?

• We haven’t talked about how you use AI tools. Can you share how you’re using them?

• If their time on an AI companion app is high, say: I'm curious, what is it you’re getting or wanting from your chats?

"Stay open to how your kid is using AI. Let them teach you something new – and be the expert. And make space for regular, non-judgmental conversations about what they're doing and seeing. Things are changing fast, so it’s important to keep the dialogue going,” says Dr. Kennard.

Additional resources

• CommonSenseMedia.org: Parents' Ultimate Guide to Generative AI. A comprehensive guide to key terms, definitions, common concerns, benefits and other tips.

• InternetMatters.org: A parent’s guide to AI: An interactive guide that includes information on popular AI tools, how to use AI as a family and a glossary.

• HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics): How AI Chatbots Affect Kids: Benefits, Risks & What Parents Need to Know

Get support

See more tips on how to nurture your child’s mental health. If you have questions or are concerned about your child, contact a professional. Children's Health psychologists and psychiatrists are here to help children and teens manage feelings of loneliness, depression and anxiety. Learn more about the mental, emotional and behavioral health programs we offer kids of all ages.