Parents grow more cautious about children’s social media and AI use

Parents are becoming more cautious about letting their children use social media and AI tools.

In responses to a Guardian survey, most parents said they no longer wanted their children to use social media, and many also tried to limit their use of AI.

Their concerns come amid accusations that social media platforms are designed to be addictive for young users and lawsuits alleging ChatGPT lacks safety protections.

Social media and AI companies deny these claims and have added measures such as parent-linked accounts for teenagers.

Some parents said they plan to wait until their children are older before allowing social media, while others let children use AI occasionally with adult guidance.

One parent also said their family avoids AI apps when other ways to find information are available.

The responses show how public criticism and legal disputes have changed some parents’ views, though the story does not describe a single policy that will apply to all families.