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Teens Use AI More Than Parents Think
24 Feb
Summary
- 64% of U.S. teens use AI chatbots; parents perceive lower usage.
- Teens use AI for schoolwork, research, and even emotional support.
- Many parents unaware of their teens' AI chatbot interactions.
A recent Pew Research Center survey indicates a substantial difference between teenagers' actual use of AI chatbots and their parents' perceptions. The survey found that 64% of U.S. teens have used AI chatbots, whereas only 51% of parents believe their children do. This technology is frequently employed by teens for academic assistance, with over half using it for schoolwork. Some teens also report receiving emotional support from AI chatbots, a statistic that raises concerns among experts.
Parents juggle numerous responsibilities, and many are apprehensive about their children's engagement with AI, particularly following high-profile cases involving adolescent suicides linked to AI interactions. The survey also highlighted that many parents do not regularly discuss AI usage with their teens, with only 4 in 10 parents engaging in such conversations. Experts emphasize that the focus should be on how teens use AI, not just if they use it. They advise parents to remain curious and communicative, setting boundaries and expectations for AI use within the family.
The survey, conducted from September 25 to October 9, 2025, involved 1,458 U.S. teens and their parents. It revealed that beyond schoolwork, teens use AI chatbots for research, fun, and information searches. A minority of teens rely heavily on chatbots for schoolwork, with about 1 in 10 completing most of their assignments with AI assistance. Some teens express concern about AI's potential for spreading misinformation and making it difficult to discern real content online.
