Nearly a third of children have spoken to an AI chatbot about their difficult feelings before confiding in an adult, according to new research from tutoring platform GoStudent. The study has prompted calls from parents for restrictions on under-16s using AI systems such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini.
Children Follow AI Advice Without Telling Adults
Of those who had used AI chatbots, 73% followed the advice in real life, and 37% did not inform an adult about their actions. The most common reasons for preferring AI over humans included concerns about confidentiality, fear of judgment, and fear of punishment.
Dr Marguerita Magennis, a psychologist 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."
Top Topics Children Discuss with AI
The most popular topics children discussed with AI were related to grades, pressure, or conflicts with teachers (35%). A fifth discussed friends or relationships, while one in ten spoke about their mental health or emotional wellbeing. Children admitted chatting with AI about feeling lonely, anxious, upset, or unhappy.
Despite these admissions, 64% of adults said their children had never mentioned speaking to an AI chatbot about their feelings. A third of children said they resorted to AI because it was always available.
Parents Call for Restrictions
Parents expressed significant 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 AI should only be used with parental consent. The findings come as the UK government develops new online safety measures affecting younger users, including plans for an under-16s social media ban.
Dr Magennis added: "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."
Strengthening Human Relationships
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."
Dr Magennis emphasised the need to address why children feel safer confiding in technology: "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."
