New research from tutoring platform GoStudent reveals that almost a third of children have spoken to an AI chatbot about difficult feelings before confiding in an adult. Of those who used systems like ChatGPT and Google Gemini, 73% followed the advice in real life, and 37% did not tell an adult what they had done.
Why Children Prefer AI Over Humans
The most common reasons for preferring AI included fears about confidentiality, judgment, or punishment. Others worried about burdening a parent or teacher, while a third said they turned to AI because it was always available. The findings have prompted 88% of parents to want restrictions on under-16s using AI, with 40% calling for an outright ban and 47% saying use should require parental consent.
Topics Children Discuss with AI
The most popular topics were grades, pressure, or conflicts with teachers (35%), followed by friends or relationships (20%). One in ten children discussed their mental health or emotional wellbeing, including feelings of loneliness, anxiety, upset, or unhappiness. Despite this, 64% of adults said their children had never mentioned speaking to an AI chatbot about their feelings.
Dr Marguerita Magennis, psychologist and parenting consultant, commented: '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.'
Concerns Over Emotional Dependence
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.' She emphasised the need to understand why children feel safer confiding in technology and to strengthen relationships at home and in school.
Government Action on Online Safety
The findings come as the UK government develops new online safety measures affecting younger users, with 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.'
