New surveys reveal that teenagers are using AI in ways many parents are unaware of—from schoolwork to emotional support—highlighting a significant gap in understanding between the two groups.
For 17-year-old Isis Joseph, a student in New York City, AI is a daily part of life. She uses it for homework, to decide where to eat, to find inspiration for poetry, and even to ask questions about personal matters. “Parents may see AI as something very threatening,” she says. “Of course, some concerns are valid, but I think AI is generally good.”
Her experience reflects a broader trend identified in recent studies by the Pew Research Center and Common Sense Media. The research shows a clear disconnect between how parents perceive AI use and how teens actually use it.
According to the findings, many parents are unaware of the extent to which their children rely on AI tools. While some uses are routine, others may surprise or concern families.
Experts say this highlights the need for more open conversations at home about AI use. Monica Anderson, managing director at the Pew Research Center, noted that such discussions are often missing in many households.
The Pew survey included 1,458 American teens aged 13 to 17 and their parents, revealing a significant gap between parental assumptions and teenagers’ actual experiences with AI.
When the Pew Research Center asked parents whether their children use AI, only 51% said yes. In reality, 64% of teenagers reported using chatbots. A similar gap was found by Common Sense Media, highlighting that millions of parents are unaware of what their children are doing online.
This gap is partly explained by communication—four in ten parents said they have never discussed AI with their children, according to Pew. Experts warn this is a serious concern. Rachel Barr, professor of early child development and chair of psychology at Georgetown University, says families should explore AI together rather than leaving teens to navigate it alone.
The studies also reveal that many teens use AI independently, sometimes in ways that could make parents uncomfortable. Michael Robb, head of research at Common Sense, noted that a significant number of children use AI for social or personal interactions.
One major concern among parents is emotional support. Pew found that 58% of American parents disapprove of teens using AI for emotional support, while 20% are unsure. Despite this, many teens still rely on AI for companionship and advice.
Experts warn of potential red flags. According to the American Psychological Association, warning signs of problematic AI use include treating AI as a “best friend,” distress when access is removed, declining school performance or sleep, avoidance of real conversations, and noticeable mood or behaviour changes. Immediate help is advised if AI is used to discuss self-harm or serious mental health issues.
Isis Joseph, a teenager interviewed in the report, said AI can offer emotional perspective and advice, but she recognises it is still a machine. “It can definitely be emotionally supportive, but of course, it’s a robot,” she explained.
Other teens echoed similar views, saying AI can be helpful but should be used with caution. Some even referenced cases where excessive reliance on chatbots has raised concerns about mental health risks.
Survey data from Pew shows that 12% of teens use AI for advice or emotional support, while 16% use it for casual conversation. Although these percentages may seem small, they represent millions of teenagers. The study also found notable differences across racial groups, with 21% of Black teens reporting emotional use of AI, compared to 13% of Hispanic teens and 8% of White teens.
Researchers noted that these differences remain significant even after accounting for factors like income, indicating deeper underlying patterns in how different groups engage with AI.
The Pew Research Center study did not explain the reasons behind these differences. However, Rachel Barr, professor of early child development at Georgetown University, suggests that teens with fewer support systems may rely on AI because it is easily accessible. Still, she notes that more research is needed to fully understand the trend.
Experts say that as long as chatbots are widely available, it is likely people will continue to use them for companionship and even emotional support. The American Psychological Association has issued guidance for parents, recommending that they ask questions instead of criticizing and stay alert to signs that teens may be replacing real human interaction with AI use.
Work and play
Many teens use AI in ways that are more expected. For example, 13-year-old Eloise Chu from Chatham, New Jersey, says she mainly uses AI for studying. “If I have a math test, I’ll give it a problem I don’t know how to solve so it can generate more questions,” she explained.
According to Pew, the most common use of AI among teenagers is searching for information, similar to how earlier generations used search engines. Schoolwork support comes next. About half of US teens use AI for research, including help with math and writing, and about one in ten say they rely on it for most or all of their schoolwork.
Many students also report that teachers encourage AI use, as long as it is used responsibly and does not interfere with learning.
Very few of the teenagers I spoke with admitted to using AI to cheat. However, when asked about other students, a different picture emerged—according to the Pew Research Center, 59% of teens believe students at their school use AI to cheat, and 34% say it happens very or extremely often.
One student, Kingston Rieban, shared that some classmates openly rely on AI. His younger brother Cash, 14, recalled an instance where a student copied AI-generated content in a science assignment but later couldn’t read their own handwriting or remember what they had written.
Despite concerns about cheating, AI is also widely used for entertainment. About 47% of US teenagers say they use it for fun. For example, Eloise Chu, 13, enjoys creating AI-generated images of penguins and pancakes—one of her favourite activities.
Attitude differences
The study also highlights a major gap in attitudes between parents and teenagers. According to research from Common Sense Media, 52% of parents believe using AI for schoolwork is unethical and should be punished. In contrast, the same percentage of teenagers view it as innovative and something that should be encouraged.
Chu believes adults often assume teens use AI only to cheat, but says that’s not the case for most students.
There is also a difference in confidence levels. Common Sense Media found that 92% of teens can tell whether they are interacting with AI or a human, compared to 73% of parents. Pew data shows that nearly 60% of teens feel confident using chatbots, with about a quarter describing themselves as very or extremely confident.
Experts say this reflects how younger people are often more comfortable experimenting with new technology. According to Michael Robb, children are usually at the forefront of adopting and exploring new tools.
Overall, teens tend to have a more positive outlook on AI. Pew found that 36% believe AI will have a positive long-term impact on their lives, while only 15% expect negative effects.
Experts advise that parents don’t need all the answers, but should start asking questions and engaging in conversations about how their children use AI. Even simple discussions can help build understanding and awareness.
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