As artificial intelligence becomes a bigger part of everyday life, teenagers are no longer using it only for homework. AI has also become another place teens may turn to for advice, to share personal struggles and for emotional support. As AI tools become more accessible, parents are facing a new challenge: How can they help children use AI as a tool without allowing it to replace trusted adults, healthy coping skills or professional mental health care?
Recent Pew Research Center findings show 64% of U.S. teens use AI chatbots and approximately three in 10 use them daily. More than half have used chatbots for schoolwork, while 12% have used them for emotional support or advice.
“AI can give a response that sounds caring, personal and confident, but it does not truly know a child or understand everything happening in that child’s life,” said Dr. Steve Arcidiacono, Director of the Boys Town South Florida Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic. “Parents should have these conversations before their child is overwhelmed or in crisis.”
Helping Your Child Use AI Responsibly
Parents can help children understand how AI should and should not be used by:
1. Use AI for Ideas, Not Answers
AI has the ability to help children brainstorm healthy activities, organize information or learn coping skills. However, it should not diagnose their feelings, make treatment decisions or replace support from a parent, counselor or doctor. Questions involving a diagnosis, medication, self-harm or a mental health crisis should always be taken to a trusted adult or qualified professional.
Parents can help children understand this difference by discussing how they phrase their questions.
Instead of asking:
- “I’m depressed. What should I do?”
- “Do I have anxiety?”
- “Should I stop taking my medication?”
Children can use AI for lower-risk prompts such as:
- “Give me five screen-free activities that may help boost my mood.”
- “Share some calming activities I can try before a stressful day.”
- “Help me make a list of questions to ask a counselor.”
2. Start the Conversation Before There Is a Problem
Parents do not have to understand every AI tool to begin the conversation. During a calm moment, they can ask:
- “What do you use AI for?”
- “Has it ever given you an answer that felt wrong?”
- “How do you decide whether its advice is trustworthy?”
- “What questions should always be taken to a real person?”
3. Establish Clear Expectations About Privacy
Children should not share identifying, medical or financial information with a chatbot.
4. Watch for Warning Signs
Parents should pay attention if technology begins replacing sleep, schoolwork, relationships or activities a child once enjoyed. Other warning signs include sudden changes in mood, secret accounts or treating a chatbot as a primary friend, confidant or therapist.
Getting Help
If a young person is experiencing suicidal thoughts or serious emotional distress, AI should never be the only source of support.
When additional help is needed, the Boys Town National Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Parents and teens can call 800-448-3000 or text VOICE to 20121 to speak with a trained counselor about themselves or someone they are worried about.