Kids and teens are going to AI chatbots for advice. How can parents make sure this is safe?

ilkercelik/Getty Images Last week, Australian Federal Police commissioner Krissy Barrett warned artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots are not a sufficient replacement for human support for children.

The comment was in response to a recent Adelaide University study that found more than one in three Australian children turn to AI chatbots for support when they are sexually victimised online, or otherwise tell nobody at all.

While there can be benefits to children using AI, such as help with learning , or practising social skills , there is also a risk they will go to AI chatbots and assistants for emotional support over parents and other trusted adults.

In Australia, around half of children aged between 10 and 17 who use AI are turning to it for personal and social reasons .

This includes seeking advice on sensitive topics, talking about their feelings, and just “hanging out”.

So how can parents help their children to use AI safely? Why are kids turning to AI chatbots over people? One practical reason why young people are using the tech is it can provide them with answers around the clock .

This means a chatbot might be a natural go-to when a child wants a quick answer and a trusted adult or friend isn’t available.

Another reason is pure curiousity .

Like adults, young people are experimenting with AI and trying to understand what it does and how it can make their lives better.

Seeking deeper connections Sometimes the reason for talking to chatbots is deeper though.

It might be that a young person wants information about something they feel embarrassed about raising with their parents or friends.

As teens explore their identity , they begin to ask more sensitive questions.

This may make them more likely to use AI for personal reasons than younger children.

For others, the reason is an unmet need for connection.