Summer is ripe with opportunity for kids and teens - days at the beach, nights with friends, and a refreshing lack of responsibility they anticipate all year.
During the summer months, kids tend to lose the structure established during the school year, spending more time on their devices and less time engaging with family, friends, and activities that encourage healthy development. In 2026, increased screen time usually correlates with increased interaction with artificial intelligence. Kids are relying on the services of ChatGPT, SnapchatAI, and Claude more everyday, contributing to a loss of agency and deteriorating mental health for vulnerable kids and teens.
Increased AI usage, paired with a lack of parental supervision, is a troubling trend.
“Many of these tools sound helpful, conversational and trustworthy, which can make them especially appealing to children and teens,” said Marcy Shyllon, Director of Boys Town New England. “But AI is best used as a tool, not a replacement for human judgment, real relationships or trusted adult support. That is something families need to be talking about, especially during the summer months.”
The Negative Effects of AI
Designed to be a convenient tool for writing revisions and personal organization, AI has increasingly been utilized as a substitute for human connection - a fact that poses a massive risk for a generation of infamously isolated and lonely kids.
Parents should keep an eye out for:
- Increased isolation and replacement of human contact
- Reliance on AI for mental health support and advice
- Urging kids to hurt others or themselves
- Encouragement of unhealthy behavioral or social patterns
Helping Kids Build Healthy AI Habits
Experts recommend that parents combat harmful AI usage by keeping these five things in mind:
1. Teach Kids to View AI as a Tool, Not a Substitute
AI is rightly viewed as an extremely powerful tool for organization and logistical planning, but advice, critical thinking, relationships, and important questions should be directed towards trusted adults.
2. Discourage Emotional Reliance on AI
AI's biggest advantage is its convenience, a factor that should never substitute human connection. While AI may seem understanding or supportive, it cannot provide the perspective and genuine care that trusted adults, friends, and family members can offer.
3. Teach Children to Question AI Credibility & Legitimacy
AI can sound confident even when it is completely wrong. Parents should encourage children to fact-check information, verify sources, and understand that AI-generated responses are not always accurate or appropriate.
4. Set Screentime Limits
Summer often comes with more free time and less structure, making it easy for AI usage and screen time to increase. Establishing reasonable boundaries can help create balance and encourage children to spend more time with family, friends, hobbies, and outdoor activities.
5. Normalize Conversations About Safe AI Usage
Many children and teens are already using AI regularly. Rather than treating it as a taboo topic, parents should maintain open conversations about how these tools are being used, what questions children are asking, and what role AI should play in their lives.
A Summer Conversation Worth Having
AI is here to stay, and for many kids and teens, it has already become a part of everyday life. While these tools can offer convenience and support, they should not replace the guidance, perspective, and relationships that young people need to thrive.
By staying engaged, setting reasonable boundaries, and maintaining open conversations, parents can help ensure that AI remains a helpful tool rather than a substitute for real-world connection.