Teens Are Turning to AI Chatbots for Emotional Support – Here’s How to Keep Kids Safe
A March 2026 survey of 2,383 youths found 45% say AI is already changing their real-life relationships, researchers said.
- A March 2026 report surveying 2,383 people ages 13 to 24 found that about 45% of youth say AI is already reshaping their real-life relationships in ways largely unnoticed by parents, teachers and policymakers.
- While adults focus conversations on academic integrity, research shows 18% of youth use AI for personal and relational support, such as venting about tough days and seeking relationship advice, often feeling they navigate this alone.
- Many teens avoid burdening friends by turning to AI instead; one 24-year-old participant said, "I realized people got tired of me complaining about the same thing over and over again." Data shows 21% of youth feel lonely often or all the time.
- Over 90 percent of youth say AI mental health advice is useful, yet researchers question whether it is truly helpful and accurate, noting misinformation exists in AI models not designed for mental health support.
- Julia Freeland Fisher of the Clayton Christensen Institute warned that bypassing human connection threatens social cohesion, urging parents to approach AI discussions with curiosity rather than judgment to help teens maintain meaningful relationships.
55 Articles
55 Articles
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AI Use Surging for Mental Health Help Among Young People
By Alvin Powell | Harvard Staff Writer | Harvard Gazette Survey researcher says popularity may help fill gap between rising national problem, shortage of clinicians — provided counsel is sound The question is no longer whether young people are using AI for mental health care, but the soundness of the advice they receive, health officials say. A recent survey showed that the use of AI chatbots for mental health care among adolescents and young ad…
The Conversation
Teens are turning to AI chatbots for emotional support – here’s how to keep kids safe
Chatbots were designed to emulate empathy, but not to provide meaningful mental health support. Chebotkevich/iStock via Getty Images PlusIt’s 2 a.m., and a teenage girl, worrying about a friend issue, lies awake. Rather than wake her parents, she picks up her phone, opens an AI app and types, “I’m so stressed out, I can’t sleep.” A reply arrives swiftly: “I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. Want to tell me a bit about what is stressing you?” The…
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Young people turn to AI to be ‘their real, unfiltered selves’
Written by Greg Toppo for The 74: Alison Lee still remembers the conversation that helped her understand why young people turn to the safety of artificial intelligence for companionship and […] The post Young people turn to AI to be ‘their real, unfiltered selves’ appeared first on edhat.
AI chatbots are becoming a go-to place for millions of young people seeking advice when they are sad, anxious, or stressed. Nearly two-thirds of users don't tell anyone about it.
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