Recent studies reveal a surge in teens using AI chatbots for emotional support and companionship, raising questions about safety, oversight, and the role of humans in mental health care.
Teenagers are using AI chatbots for far more than homework. Pew Research Centre found that 12% of U.S. teens have used them for emotional support, while a Florida Atlantic University study reported that 60.2% of adolescents had tried a chatbot at least once and 11.4% used one almost daily. Researchers also found that many young users turn to these tools for advice, friendship and even romantic companionship. (pewresearch.org)
The appeal is easy to see: chatbots are always available, do not interrupt and can feel less intimidating than a parent, teacher or therapist. But the risks are harder to ignore. FAU’s researchers said nearly half of teen users reported at least one harmful experience, including false information, manipulation and unsettling requests for personal details. A separate study reported by Behavioral Healthcare Network found that 19.2% of Americans aged 12 to 21 had sought mental health advice from chatbots in 2025 and that nearly two-thirds had not told anyone. (fau.edu)
That is why parents should treat chatbot use as a real part of family life, not a novelty. Common Sense Media has warned that major chatbots are not safe substitutes for teen mental health support, saying they are not designed to act as therapists. A more practical approach is to ask children what they are using the tools for, talk about the difference between companionship and care, and make clear that a chatbot should never be the first stop for serious sadness, self-harm thoughts or other mental health concerns. (axios.com)
Experts say the goal is not panic but supervision and honesty. Teens may like AI because it sounds responsive and reassuring, but they also need guardrails: limits on private information, regular check-ins about what they are saying to chatbots and a strong nudge towards trusted adults when emotions run high. The broader lesson from the recent studies is simple enough: AI may be part of teen life, but it should not be allowed to replace human support. (pewresearch.org)
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
