Youth mental health: Increasing reliance on AI chatbots for emotional support

A growing number of children and adolescents are turning to AI chatbots for emotional support and mental health advice, according to recent reports and surveys. In the United States, a survey highlighted by the Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) found that nearly one in five young people aged 12 to 21 used AI chatbots for mental health advice in 2025, representing a 50% increase from the previous year.

Experts express concern regarding the privacy and social implications of this trend. Data indicates that over 63% of these young users did not disclose their AI interactions to parents, teachers, or counselors. While chatbots can assist with educational tasks, professionals warn that relying on algorithms for emotional comfort may impact the development of social skills, increase risks of misinformation, and erode genuine human connection.

In Ireland, discussions around digital wellbeing emphasize that the issue extends beyond mere screen time to the nature of the interactions. Therapists suggest that parents must monitor whether chatbots are becoming a primary support network for children struggling with loneliness or social exclusion.