8 months ago
AI Chatbots Used by Kids for Violent, Sexual Role-Play
Kids are using AI chatbots a lot these days, not just for homework but also to talk about things like violence and romance.
A big study found that many kids, especially girls, are having these chats when they feel pressured or need someone to talk to.
Some of these chats can be quite scary, with topics like violence and even sexual violence.
The study also found that kids around 11 years old are more likely to talk about violent things, while 13-year-olds talk more about romance.
Experts are worried because these chatbots are not well-regulated and might be influencing kids in ways we don't fully understand.
Some parents are also concerned about how these chats might affect their kids' mental health and development.
42% of minors use AI for companionship or role-play conversations.
37% of these conversations include violent scenarios, with half involving sexual violence themes.
Violent conversations peak at age 11, while sexual or romantic role-play dominates at age 13.
AI chatbots are unregulated, raising concerns about their influence on children's emotional and social development.
Parents and experts are worried about the potential negative impacts of these interactions on kids' mental health and worldview.
- Who
- Children aged 5 to 17
- What
- Using AI chatbots for companionship and role-play, including violent and sexual scenarios
- Where
- United States
- When
- Current trends as of 2025
- Why
- For emotional support, exploration, and entertainment, often without adult supervision
Key facts
- Survey Conducted By
- Aura
- Sample Size
- 3,000 children aged 5 to 17
- Percentage Using AI for Companionship
- 42%
- Percentage Engaging in Violent Scenarios
- 37%
- Percentage of Violent Conversations with Sexual Themes
- 50%
- Age with Peak Violent Conversations
- 11
- Age with Dominant Sexual/Romantic Role-Play
- 13
- AI Ecosystem Regulation Status
- Unregulated
Quotes
Aura’s 2025 State of the Youth survey
A digital security firm that conducted the survey.
“AI chats may not just be playful back-and-forths but places where kids talk about violence, explore romantic or sexual role-play, and seek advice when no adult is watching.”
theweek.com
Futurism
A media outlet commenting on the report.
“The findings emphasise the present anarchical state of the chatbot market and the importance of developing a proper understanding of how young users engage with conversational AI chatbots overall.”
theweek.com
Vice
A media outlet commenting on the report.
“The chatbots are doing what they do best, luring youngsters deeper into these dark, disturbing rabbit holes, essentially serving as Sherpas for the darkness that awaits them online.”
theweek.com
The Economist
A media outlet commenting on the impact of AI on childhood.
“Yet childhood may be disrupted most radically by things that AI does when it is behaving as intended. The technology quickly learns what its master likes – and shows more of it, such as to strengthen existing social media echo chambers and lock children into them. This serves to stamp out serendipity as a favourites-only diet means a child need never learn to tolerate something unfamiliar.”
theweek.com
