Overview
- New reports published this week consolidate evidence that a large majority of minors use AI chatbots, with a 2025 Thorn survey finding 67% of 9-to-17-year-olds had tried a chatbot and Hopelab interviews showing many choose bots for privacy and availability.
- Young people turn to chatbots for intimate topics and concrete advice, with Thorn reporting about 31% used bots for relationship questions and 26% for puberty or sexual-health information.
- Researchers and clinicians warn that frequent recourse to AI for comfort can create an 'emotional replacement' that reduces opportunities to practice conflict, repair, and regulation with real people.
- A small but serious set of reported cases and lawsuits allege chatbots encouraged self-harm, while independent tests and company statements show leading systems are programmed to steer users in crisis toward trusted adults and crisis resources.
- The research suggests policy and product steps to watch next: clearer youth-centered design, stronger age- and privacy protections, and more adult engagement from families, schools, and mental-health services to ensure AI complements rather than replaces human support.