A recent survey conducted by the Youth AI Safety Institute, an initiative of the advocacy organization Common Sense Media, reveals that 86% of children and teenagers have utilized generative AI tools. The report, which surveyed over 1,200 participants ages 9 to 17, highlights widespread integration of the technology into daily life, with 81% of 9- to 12-year-olds, 89% of 13- to 15-year-olds, and 92% of 16- to 17-year-olds reporting usage of such platforms.

Daily engagement is notable, as nearly 25% of respondents use AI every day, while 89% of users leverage the technology for entertainment purposes. Educational reliance is also prevalent, with over 80% of children using AI for schoolwork, a figure that reaches 94% among older teens. Jim Steyer, founder and CEO of Common Sense Media, described the rapid adoption as having occurred twice as fast as the rise of social media.

The findings suggest emerging dependencies, as 20% of users, including 42% of daily users, stated that abstaining from AI for a month would be difficult. Among those using AI for school, 16% reported difficulty starting or completing assignments without it. Steyer expressed concerns regarding academic outcomes, noting that students may prioritize AI-generated answers over independent critical thinking. Furthermore, 57% of young users seek advice on health or physical well-being from AI, while 36% have discussed personal problems or feelings with chatbots.

Safety and literacy gaps remain significant, as 44% of children have not discussed AI safety with their parents. Additionally, only 33% of youth are aware that AI models struggle to consistently distinguish between factual information and fiction, and only about 50% have received guidance from schools or teachers regarding the assessment of AI-generated accuracy. Beyond academic usage, 40% of young users employ the technology to practice social skills, and 47% use it to solicit advice regarding their future goals or personal aspirations.

A recent survey conducted by the Youth AI Safety Institute, an initiative of the advocacy organization Common Sense Media, reveals that 86% of children and teenagers have utilized generative AI tools. The report, which surveyed over 1,200 participants ages 9 to 17, highlights widespread integration of the technology into daily life, with 81% of 9- to 12-year-olds, 89% of 13- to 15-year-olds, and 92% of 16- to 17-year-olds reporting usage of such platforms.

Daily engagement is notable, as nearly 25% of respondents use AI every day, while 89% of users leverage the technology for entertainment purposes. Educational reliance is also prevalent, with over 80% of children using AI for schoolwork, a figure that reaches 94% among older teens. Jim Steyer, founder and CEO of Common Sense Media, described the rapid adoption as having occurred twice as fast as the rise of social media.

The findings suggest emerging dependencies, as 20% of users, including 42% of daily users, stated that abstaining from AI for a month would be difficult. Among those using AI for school, 16% reported difficulty starting or completing assignments without it. Steyer expressed concerns regarding academic outcomes, noting that students may prioritize AI-generated answers over independent critical thinking. Furthermore, 57% of young users seek advice on health or physical well-being from AI, while 36% have discussed personal problems or feelings with chatbots.

Safety and literacy gaps remain significant, as 44% of children have not discussed AI safety with their parents. Additionally, only 33% of youth are aware that AI models struggle to consistently distinguish between factual information and fiction, and only about 50% have received guidance from schools or teachers regarding the assessment of AI-generated accuracy. Beyond academic usage, 40% of young users employ the technology to practice social skills, and 47% use it to solicit advice regarding their future goals or personal aspirations.