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Children’s Growing Friendship With AI Chatbots Triggers Calls for Safeguards

Surveys from mid-2025 reveal that most British children, with more than half of U.S. teens, use AI bots for tasks from homework to companionship; experts are demanding stricter age verification, tougher data safeguards.

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Two new reports show that teens in the U.S. and U.K. are talking to AI companions regularly.
AI companions are digital applications designed for personal conversations and even friendship
Asian young woman asking ai voice on smartphone at home.

Overview

  • Surveys indicate 64 percent of UK children and 52 percent of U.S. teens regularly use AI chatbots for academic help and emotional support.
  • About 15 percent of surveyed British children say they prefer talking to an AI chatbot over a real person, with nearly a quarter seeking advice on mental health and social matters.
  • Vulnerable youths with special educational needs or physical and mental health conditions are nearly three times more likely to engage with companion-style AI chatbots.
  • Weak age verification measures allow teens to access platforms intended for adults, raising concerns over extensive data collection and privacy risks.
  • Internet Matters and Common Sense Media recommend a system-wide approach featuring parental controls, digital literacy education and government regulation to protect minors.