AI chatbots are fast becoming part of children’s everyday lives. Children, especially those who are more vulnerable, are engaging with AI chatbots not just as tools, but as companions – asking for advice, sharing their daily lives and seeking friendship. Their growing use amplifies existing online risks and introduces new ones, while protections for children have not kept pace with this rapid innovation.

This report explores how children are interacting with AI chatbots, which are computer programmes designed to simulate conversation with a person. Our findings show that while these tools can offer clear benefits, such as 24/7 learning support and a non-judgemental space to ask questions, they pose risks to children’s safety and development.
A key concern highlighted by this research is that children are using AI chatbots in emotionally driven ways, including for friendship and advice, despite many of the popular AI chatbots not being built for children to use in this way. Almost a quarter (23%) of children who use AI chatbots have sought advice from the tools, and over a third (35%) of children who have used AI chatbots said chatting with an AI chatbot feels like talking to a friend, with this figure rising to 50% for vulnerable children.1 Furthermore, one in eight (12%) children who use AI chatbots said they talk to them because they have no one else to speak with. While these experiences can feel supportive, they also carry risks. Children may become overly reliant on AI chatbots or receive inaccurate or inappropriate responses, with experts suggesting they may also be less likely to seek help from trusted adults.
These themes are explored through insights drawn from focus groups, user testing and survey data, alongside desk research and expert interviews. Together, they paint a picture of how AI chatbots are reshaping childhood – and why coordinated action is needed urgently among various stakeholders to ensure children can explore their potential safely and positively.