Rise of AI Chatbot Use Among Young Children

A new Pew Research survey reveals that AI chatbots are no longer limited to adults. Families report that children as young as kindergarten are engaging with tools like ChatGPT and Gemini. The data shows that 3% of parents say their 5‑ to 7‑year‑old children have used a chatbot, 7% for ages 8 to 10, and 15% for ages 11 to 12. In parallel, about 40% of parents indicate that their children under 12 also utilize voice assistants such as Alexa and Siri.

The broader picture of screen time shows that traditional media still dominate. Television reaches 90% of children in this age group, tablets 68%, and smartphones 61%. These figures underscore that AI interaction is a modest yet growing slice of a largely screen‑driven lifestyle.

Parental Management Challenges

Parents acknowledge the difficulty of keeping pace with rapidly evolving technology. While 58% feel they are doing the best they can, 42% admit they could better manage their kids’ screen time. The emergence of AI chatbots adds a new layer of complexity, prompting many families to reassess existing digital‑use policies.

Industry responses have begun to address these concerns. OpenAI added parental controls to ChatGPT after a lawsuit alleged that the chatbot contributed to a 16‑year‑old’s suicide. Additionally, several U.S. states have issued warnings to AI companies about potential harms to children.

Industry and Legal Responses

OpenAI’s rollout of parental controls reflects a broader trend of technology firms responding to legal pressure and public scrutiny. The lawsuit that sparked the change highlights the growing accountability expectations placed on AI providers. State warnings further signal that regulators are monitoring AI’s impact on younger users and may consider additional safeguards.

Expert Guidance for Parents

Titania Jordan, chief parent officer at Bark Technologies, emphasizes that parents need to become educated about AI, chatbots and digital companions before guiding their children. She advises that children should understand that AI personalities are not substitutes for human interaction and that not everything an AI says should be trusted. Jordan recommends demonstrating real‑world examples where other children were misled or harmed by AI, helping families recognize potential dangers.

While chatbots can assist with schoolwork or creative projects, the formation of relationships with AI‑generated personalities remains a point of concern. Parents are encouraged to maintain open dialogue, set clear boundaries, and leverage available parental‑control tools to safeguard their children’s digital experiences.

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