Health · Mental Health · 2 hrs ago
Surveys find widespread AI chatbot use among US teens and tweens
Two surveys found that many US children and teens use AI chatbots: one found nearly two-thirds of tweens and teens use them, while another found 90% of surveyed 9-to-17-year-olds had tried them.
Common Sense Media found that use starts early, with nearly half of 9-to-12-year-olds having used a chatbot or companion, despite age 13 being the minimum on most popular chatbots.
Young people use chatbots for schoolwork and emotional support, including when they feel stressed, lonely or overwhelmed.
The JED Foundation survey linked use during emotional distress with poorer mental health and well-being, as well as a greater reported history of suicidal thoughts and attempts.
The surveys do not show that chatbot use caused these problems; the relationship between them is unclear.
The findings show that AI is becoming part of young people's daily lives, but the surveys do not say what will happen next.
Two surveys found widespread AI chatbot use among US children and teenagers.
Common Sense Media found that nearly half of 9-to-12-year-olds had used an AI chatbot or companion.
The JED Foundation found that 90% of surveyed 9-to-17-year-olds had used a chatbot.
Young people use chatbots for schoolwork, companionship and emotional support.
Some uses were associated with worse mental health indicators, but the findings do not establish that AI use caused them.
- Who
- US tweens and teens, including children aged 9 to 17.
- What
- Two surveys found widespread use of AI chatbots, for schoolwork and for companionship or emotional support.
- When
- The surveys’ dates are not stated. The findings were reported on October 30, 2026.
- Where
- Across the United States; the JED Foundation surveyed students in schools across the country.
- Why
- Young people use chatbots for schoolwork, companionship, and support when stressed, lonely, anxious or overwhelmed.
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This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Common Sense Media
- Nearly half of 9-to-12-year-olds had used an AI chatbot or companion
- Age 13
- Nearly three-quarters of children had used chatbots
- JED Foundation survey
- 5,500 young people aged 9 to 17
- JED Foundation survey
- 90% of respondents had used an AI chatbot
- NPR publication
- October 30, 2026
What people are saying
When young people are using AI, when they're in emotional distress, they're more likely to report poor mental health and well-being outcomes.
It's unclear, based on these data, whether AI use is contributing to poor
It seems like just a few years ago, no one was using
And now it seems like roughly the same number of kids using it for homework are using it to get emotional support or help with coping.