health
Some AI mental health apps are harmful for kids, says report—what experts say parents should keep in mind
The organization found that school-based mental health apps were safer than direct-to-consumer apps.
TL;DR
- General purpose chatbots like ChatGPT and Claude are used by teens for social practice and emotional support.
- Common Sense Media's report found direct-to-consumer AI mental health apps have an 'unacceptable' risk level for teens.
- School-deployed AI mental health apps Alongside and Sonar showed 'low' or 'minimal' risk levels.
- Direct-to-consumer apps missed signs of serious mental health conditions and failed to refer users to crisis lines.
- School-based apps are safer because they involve real people and connect to school support systems, flagging concerning activity.
- Even school-based apps sometimes missed signs for issues like eating disorders.
- Direct-to-consumer apps lack structural features that make school-based apps safer.
- Experts advise parents to have open conversations with their children about app usage and to inquire about school systems' mental health support.