Children need to discuss to AI about their emotions – and by no means speak in confidence to an adults

Children prefer AI to a human due to fears about confidentiality, judgment or punishment and they don’t want to worry a parent or teacher

View Image

Parents have called for restrictions on under-16s using AI after new research revealed that almost a third of children have spoken to a chatbot about difficult feelings before speaking to an adult.

Of those who had used systems such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini, 73% followed the advice in real life, with 37% not telling an adult what they had done. The reasons for preferring AI to a human were varied with the most common fears about confidentiality, judgment or punishment, according to the research by tutor platform GoStudent.

There were also concerns about worrying a parent or teacher, while a third said they’d resorted to AI rather than a human because it was always available.

Most popular topics were discussion related to grades, pressure or conflicts with teachers (35%) while a fifth discussed friends or relationships. One in 10 spoke about their mental health or emotional wellbeing.

But while children freely admitted chatting with an AI about feeling lonely, anxious, upset or unhappy, 64% of adults said their kids had never mentioned speaking to an AI chatbot about their feelings.

Dr Marguerita Magennis, psychologist, early years specialist and parenting consultant said: ‘Young people are naturally drawn to AI because it is immediate, available 24/7 and feels non-judgemental.

“However, children are also more vulnerable to suggestion and manipulation, and they may struggle to recognise when advice is inaccurate, biased or simply inappropriate for their individual circumstances.

“My greatest concern is not only the quality of the advice they receive, but the potential for emotional dependence on a chatbot rather than developing resilience through trusted human relationships. AI should never become a child’s primary source of emotional support.

“The most important question these findings raise is why so many children feel safer confiding in technology than in the adults around them.

“Rather than focusing solely on restricting AI, we should also invest in strengthening relationships at home and in school, equipping parents and educators with the confidence and skills to create environments where children feel genuinely heard, emotionally safe and able to ask for help without fear of judgement.”

Parents expressed concern about the advice AI chatbots may give children with 88% wanting restrictions. Four in ten wanted an outright ban for children while 47% said they should be used with parental consent.

The findings come as the government develops new online safety measures affecting younger users. Ministers have confirmed plans for an under-16s social media ban.

Felix Ohswald, CEO and Co-Founder of GoStudent, said: “Our research shows many young people are using AI for far more than schoolwork. Like any tool, children need to understand both what it can do well and where its limitations lie.

“AI can support learning and answer questions but it shouldn’t replace conversations with trusted adults. That is why it is important that we understand the different ways children use these tools and help them think critically about the answers they receive.”