Keri Rodrigues started worrying about her kids’ interactions with chatbots two years ago. She discovered that her youngest son was chatting with a bot in his Bible app, asking it deep moral questions. This concerned her because she wanted to guide him through such conversations herself. “Not everything in life is black and white,” she noted. “It’s my job as his mom to help him navigate that.”
As president of the National Parents Union, Rodrigues hears from many parents who share her concerns. They worry about chatbots becoming their kids’ confidants, encouraging them to talk about everything. This isn’t just about occasional use; a recent Pew Research survey found that 64% of teens use chatbots, with 30% mentioning daily interaction.
Experts agree that parents should be wary. Prolonged interactions with chatbots may negatively impact children’s social skills and mental health. Some parents shared devastating stories at a Senate hearing about teens who died by suicide after being encouraged by chatbots. “It’s a very new technology,” says Dr. Jason Nagata, a pediatrician and expert on adolescents’ use of digital media. “We’re still figuring out best practices.”
Adolescents are especially vulnerable during this time of brain development. As Dr. Nagata puts it, they are “more susceptible to exposure from various sources, whether peers or technology.” Parents can take steps to help their children navigate these challenges:
Understand the Risks: According to a report from online safety company Aura, 42% of adolescents use AI chatbots for companionship, leading to some concerning conversations about violence and sexuality. “Chatbots agree with users,” says Dr. Nagata, which can reinforce unhealthy thoughts. Approximately 1 in 8 adolescents seek mental health advice from chatbots, raising serious concerns about their well-being.
Engage in Dialogue: Talk openly about what kids are doing online. Frequent conversations foster a trusting atmosphere. Dr. Nagata advises parents to express curiosity rather than judgment, creating space for honest discussions about technology use.
Promote Digital Literacy: Teach kids about the benefits and drawbacks of AI. Dr. Jacqueline Nesi from Brown University suggests that learning about risks together can empower both parents and kids. Chatbots can be helpful, but they also make mistakes.
Set Up Accounts with Parental Controls: Encourage kids to create their own accounts on AI platforms to enable parental controls. Dr. Nesi points out that many popular platforms now offer these features.
Implement Time Limits: Setting boundaries can help prevent late-night chatbot chats that disrupt sleep. Striking a healthy balance in technology use is crucial for mental and physical wellness, according to Dr. Nagata.
Monitor at-Risk Teens: Kids with existing mental health issues may be more affected by chatbots. Look out for signs of isolation or withdrawal, which may indicate a reliance on chatbots for social interaction.
Recognize the Broader Responsibility: Parents shouldn’t shoulder this burden alone. Lawmakers are beginning to act. Recently, a bipartisan group introduced legislation aimed at protecting minors from harmful chatbot interactions.
Keeping children safe involves a collective effort of parents, experts, and policymakers. Engaging with children about their digital lives can significantly impact their well-being and help them navigate this rapidly evolving landscape responsibly. For additional resources, parents can visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for support.
