Rachel V Thomas

Health and Me

World Mental Health Day: AI Chatbots May Be Changing How Children Seek Emotional Support

When a child struggles with anxiety, loneliness or a personal problem, turning to a trusted adult can offer reassurance, perspective and human connection. But today, children are increasingly seeking advice from an AI chatbot on their phones, often without adult supervision.

Young people are increasingly turning to <span>AI chatbots</span>, not just for homework help but also for relationship advice and emotional support, raising questions about how these tools could shape the way children seek help. 

A study of nearly 40,000 students in Canada, published in JAMA Pediatrics, found that <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/mental-health-crisis-1-in-5-adolescents-turning-to-ai-for-advice-article-154445200" data-type="tilCustomLink">more than one in five</a> reported using generative AI for affective purposes, including emotional support or advice. The students were in grades 4 through 12, with an average age of nearly 13 years.

Among those who used <span>AI for emotional support</span> or advice, 57.7% had emotional problem scores above a clinical threshold, compared with 29.2% of those who did not report such use. The findings do not establish that AI use causes emotional problems, but suggest that young people already experiencing distress may be more likely to turn to chatbots. 

<em>So what does this mean for children's help-seeking behavior, and are adequate safeguards in place?</em>

<h2>Why Children Are Turning To AI For Emotional Support </h2>

<strong>Also read</strong>: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/childrens-mental-health-often-goes-unnoticed-can-indias-new-school-policy-change-that-article-156307821" data-type="tilCustomLink">Children’s Mental Health Often Goes Unnoticed: Can India’s New School Policy Change That?</a>

Child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Kavita Arora of the India <span>Mental Health</span> Alliance (IMHA) told <strong><em>HealthandMe </em></strong>that children may turn to chatbots when they feel anxious or are dealing with issues they are uncomfortable sharing with others. They may eventually begin treating a chatbot almost like a person with whom they have a relationship. 

While a trusted adult can offer human connection and perspective, a chatbot provides immediate, seemingly personal responses that children can accept or act on without supervision.

“The concern is that there is currently no way to measure the impact these AI tools are having on children or their development or mental health, because there is no mechanism to collect data on how they are being used or the responses children are receiving,” Dr. Arora said. 

She warned that these products lack adequate monitoring mechanisms and established child-oriented safeguards, raising the possibility that their effects may become clear only after harm has occurred. She compared this to the early years of social media, when safeguards were largely absent.

<h2>Could AI Change How Children Seek Professional Help? </h2>

Children generally need to involve a parent, teacher or another concerned adult to access a mental health professional. Open-access AI chatbots, however, offer a private and readily available alternative without equivalent, transparent safeguarding arrangements.

Dr. Arora warned that children could begin to see professional mental health services as difficult to access while viewing chatbots as an easier option. The potential implications for children experiencing anxiety, loneliness or suicidal thoughts remain insufficiently understood. 

<h2>Can AI Chatbots Reinforce Anxiety Or Unhealthy Beliefs? </h2>

<strong>Read More: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/1-in-7-indians-affected-by-mental-health-disorders-govt-to-launch-nimhans-2-to-boost-care-article-153793857" data-type="tilCustomLink">1 In 7 Indians Affected By Mental Health Disorders; Govt To Launch NIMHANS-2 To Boost Care</a>

Researchers and parents do not necessarily know what children share with chatbots or how these systems respond. 

A child might say, “I am scared of the monster under my bed,” or ask, “Do you think I look good?” Neither statement automatically indicates an underlying mental health or body image problem. The chatbot must interpret what the child is trying to communicate, and that interpretation may not capture the full context.

Dr. Arora also raised concerns about how chatbots respond when children show signs of distress. Simply directing a child to an adult may not be an adequate safety mechanism. 

Mental health professionals working with children operate within ethical and safeguarding frameworks, with requirements relating to competence and supervision. AI systems need safeguards that account for children's particular vulnerabilities, she said. 

Dr. Mimansa Singh Tanwar, head of the Fortis School National Mental Health Program at Adayu and Fortis Healthcare, cautioned that AI responses can reinforce anxiety or unhealthy beliefs. Because chatbots respond to the context users provide, they may struggle to offer a different perspective, potentially creating an echo chamber.

<h2>What Safeguards Should AI Companies Put In Place? </h2>

Dr. Arora said AI companies must build child-safety safeguards into products before release. Personalization can make chatbots particularly engaging for teenagers, while monitoring their interactions raises privacy concerns, making oversight and audits essential. 

Commercial interests must not outweigh child health, and schools and communities should teach children about AI's limitations and responsible use to avoid repeating the social media experience. 

<h2>Who Is Responsible When Children Need Human Help? </h2>

READ: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/women-turning-to-ai-for-health-detection-helpful-tool-or-risky-trend-womens-day-special-article-153781621" data-type="tilCustomLink">Women Turning to AI for Health Detection: Helpful Tool or Risky Trend? </a> 

AI companies bear primary responsibility, Dr. Arora said, though parents, teachers, caregivers and policymakers also play a role in ensuring children receive appropriate support. 

“At the very least, when an interaction moves beyond a genuine educational or learning need, it should be redirected towards appropriate human support,” she said. 

<h2>Why Human Support Still Matters </h2>

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Dr. Tanwar told <strong><em>HealthandMe </em></strong>that AI chatbots can appeal to children because they are easily accessible and often designed to respond empathetically. They may help users reflect on concerns and consider possible solutions, but they do not necessarily replace the support provided by mental health professionals, family members or friends. 

She warned that increased chatbot use could lead to emotional dependence, particularly among children. Parents, teachers and mentors should maintain regular conversations with young people and encourage real-world relationships.

The goal, she said, should be to ensure AI complements rather than replaces human interaction and support.

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When a child struggles with anxiety, loneliness or a personal problem, turning to a trusted adult can offer reassurance, perspective and human connection. But today, children are increasingly seeking advice from an AI chatbot on their phones, often without adult supervision. Young people are increasingly turning to AI chatbots, not just for homework help but also for relationship advice and emotional support, raising questions about how these tools could shape the way children seek help. A study of nearly 40,000 students in Canada, published in JAMA Pediatrics, found that more than one in five reported using generative AI for affective purposes, including emotional support or advice. The students were in grades 4 through 12, with an average age of nearly 13 years. Among those who used AI for emotional support or advice, 57.7% had emotional problem scores above a clinical threshold, compared with 29.2% of those who did not report such use. The findings do not establish that AI use causes emotional problems, but suggest that young people already experiencing distress may be more likely to turn to chatbots. So what does this mean for children's help-seeking behavior, and are adequate safeguards in place? Why Children Are Turning To AI For Emotional Support Also read: Children’s Mental Health Often Goes Unnoticed: Can India’s New School Policy Change That?Child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Kavita Arora of the India Mental Health Alliance (IMHA) told HealthandMe that children may turn to chatbots when they feel anxious or are dealing with issues they are uncomfortable sharing with others. They may eventually begin treating a chatbot almost like a person with whom they have a relationship. While a trusted adult can offer human connection and perspective, a chatbot provides immediate, seemingly personal responses that children can accept or act on without supervision.“The concern is that there is currently no way to measure the impact these AI tools are having on children or their development or mental health, because there is no mechanism to collect data on how they are being used or the responses children are receiving,” Dr. Arora said. She warned that these products lack adequate monitoring mechanisms and established child-oriented safeguards, raising the possibility that their effects may become clear only after harm has occurred. She compared this to the early years of social media, when safeguards were largely absent. Could AI Change How Children Seek Professional Help? Children generally need to involve a parent, teacher or another concerned adult to access a mental health professional. Open-access AI chatbots, however, offer a private and readily available alternative without equivalent, transparent safeguarding arrangements. Dr. Arora warned that children could begin to see professional mental health services as difficult to access while viewing chatbots as an easier option. The potential implications for children experiencing anxiety, loneliness or suicidal thoughts remain insufficiently understood. Can AI Chatbots Reinforce Anxiety Or Unhealthy Beliefs? Read More: 1 In 7 Indians Affected By Mental Health Disorders; Govt To Launch NIMHANS-2 To Boost CareResearchers and parents do not necessarily know what children share with chatbots or how these systems respond. A child might say, “I am scared of the monster under my bed,” or ask, “Do you think I look good?” Neither statement automatically indicates an underlying mental health or body image problem. The chatbot must interpret what the child is trying to communicate, and that interpretation may not capture the full context. Dr. Arora also raised concerns about how chatbots respond when children show signs of distress. Simply directing a child to an adult may not be an adequate safety mechanism. Mental health professionals working with children operate within ethical and safeguarding frameworks, with requirements relating to competence and supervision. AI systems need safeguards that account for children's particular vulnerabilities, she said. Dr. Mimansa Singh Tanwar, head of the Fortis School National Mental Health Program at Adayu and Fortis Healthcare, cautioned that AI responses can reinforce anxiety or unhealthy beliefs. Because chatbots respond to the context users provide, they may struggle to offer a different perspective, potentially creating an echo chamber. What Safeguards Should AI Companies Put In Place? Dr. Arora said AI companies must build child-safety safeguards into products before release. Personalization can make chatbots particularly engaging for teenagers, while monitoring their interactions raises privacy concerns, making oversight and audits essential. Commercial interests must not outweigh child health, and schools and communities should teach children about AI's limitations and responsible use to avoid repeating the social media experience. Who Is Responsible When Children Need Human Help? READ: Women Turning to AI for Health Detection: Helpful Tool or Risky Trend?  AI companies bear primary responsibility, Dr. Arora said, though parents, teachers, caregivers and policymakers also play a role in ensuring children receive appropriate support. “At the very least, when an interaction moves beyond a genuine educational or learning need, it should be redirected towards appropriate human support,” she said. Why Human Support Still Matters    Dr. Tanwar told HealthandMe that AI chatbots can appeal to children because they are easily accessible and often designed to respond empathetically. They may help users reflect on concerns and consider possible solutions, but they do not necessarily replace the support provided by mental health professionals, family members or friends. She warned that increased chatbot use could lead to emotional dependence, particularly among children. Parents, teachers and mentors should maintain regular conversations with young people and encourage real-world relationships. The goal, she said, should be to ensure AI complements rather than replaces human interaction and support.

world mental health day: ai chatbots may be changing how children seek emotional support

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