Teens are using AI frequently in their daily lives, and many parents aren't aware, survey finds

February 24, 2026

TL;DR

64% of U.S. teens reported using AI chatbots, compared to 51% of parents who said their teens use them.
54% of surveyed teens used AI chatbots for schoolwork, and about 1 in 10 used them for emotional support.
Teens generally view AI positively as a tool for daily life and personal impact.
Parents are concerned about AI use, especially after incidents of teen suicides linked to AI interactions.
Only 4 in 10 parents discuss AI usage with their teens.
Some teens find AI chatbots a comfortable space to discuss sensitive topics like sexual health when they avoid talking to adults.
Experts advise parents to be curious about AI use, communicate with teens, and look for warning signs like increased AI reliance or signs of depression.
Teens use AI chatbots for schoolwork, research, math problems, searching information, and entertainment.
Some teens expressed concern about AI's potential for spreading propaganda and distinguishing reality from AI-generated content.

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