Artificial intelligence (AI) is used ubiquitously today—from helping children complete their homework, to curating social media feeds, to suggesting what individuals should watch next on television. While AI can be a useful tool, have you ever wondered how it might influence your thoughts or feelings? More importantly, have you considered how being exposed to and using AI might shape your child’s thoughts, emotions, and mental health?
In January 2025, researchers from the Oxford Institute published a Personal View that examined the challenges of studying how the use of AI may affect children. They emphasized that, while AI is transforming how children learn, interact, and engage with the world, no clear framework for measuring its long-term influence exists (Mansfield et al., 2025). Without structured research, determining whether the use of AI is beneficial, harmful, or both may be difficult.
As a parent, understanding the use and influence of AI could be overwhelming, but knowledge is power. While experts continue to study AI’s role in helping and/or hindering children’s mental well-being, parents can take steps to help guide their children’s interactions with technology in a thoughtful and informed way. Let’s discuss what researchers have found and how you can support your child in navigating the use of AI safely.
What Did the Research Find?
The Oxford study highlights a key issue: while AI is becoming a big part of children’s lives, we still lack significant research on how its use affects their mental health. Researchers warn that past studies on social media often made assumptions about harm without solid evidence, and the same mistakes could happen when researching the effects of AI’s use (Mansfield et al., 2025).
Key takeaways from the study include the following:
- Better research is needed. Many past studies have blamed technology for mental health issues without considering other factors like family life or personality differences (Mansfield et al., 2025).
- AI use is growing fast. With the rapid growth of AI use, children are encountering new and innovative ways to interact with these tools every day, but research and policy are lagging (Mansfield et al., 2025).
- We do not know enough. There is no standardized way to measure the effects of AI usage on individuals, so more long-term studies are needed (Mansfield et al., 2025).
- Collaboration is key. Parents, educators, and technology companies need to work together to make using AI safe and beneficial for children (Mansfield et al., 2025).
What Does This Mean for Parents?
Keeping up with technology advancements can feel like a full-time job. Today, children are growing up in a world where using AI is almost natural, and many parents may feel left behind. However, while we cannot always control how quickly technology changes, we can control how we guide our children’s interactions with it. Think about teaching a child how to swim. You start in the shallow end, teach them how to tread water, and make sure they know how to call for help if they get into trouble. The same approach works for teaching children responsible use of AI—children need guidance on how to use it safely and critically.
What Can Parents Do?
Even though researchers are still working on guidelines to help parents and children navigate how to apply AI, below, are some ways you can explore and talk to your child about using AI:
- Be Curious Together- Ask your child about their favorite apps and how they use them. Try watching a few YouTube shorts or scrolling through their social media feeds together. By showing interest, you create opportunities for conversations about what they are consuming and how the material they watch and interact with makes them feel (Internet Matters, 2023).
- Example: If your child loves a certain YouTuber, ask, “What do you like about their videos?” If they mention feeling pressured to look or act a certain way, use it as a teaching moment about online influences.
- Set Healthy Boundaries- Just like you create a specific time for bed or limit junk food for your child, you can set boundaries around screen time. Encourage experiences like technology-free meals, outdoor play, and family game nights. This helps balance AI-driven content with real-world experiences (Skool of Code, 2024).
- Example: If your child struggles with stopping after “one more episode,” set a rule like “When the timer goes off, we take a break,” and stick to it.
- Teach Critical Thinking- Help children understand that not everything AI presents is true or helpful. Teach them to question what they see and think critically about why certain videos, ads, or posts are being recommended on their social media feeds or other platforms (Internet Matters, 2023).
- Example: If your child interacts with an AI chatbot and receives questionable advice, remind them that AI does not always provide correct or safe answers. Encourage them to verify important information with a trusted adult or expert. The Thrive blog on Finding Credible Information offers helpful guidance for parents on evaluating sources and determining what information is trustworthy online.
- Monitor Emotional Changes- Pay attention to your child’s mood after they have been online. If they seem anxious, irritable, or withdrawn, AI-driven content may play a role. Encourage open conversations and create a safe space for them to share their feelings with you (University of Cambridge, 2024).
- Example: If your teen seems stressed after using social media, ask, “Did something online bother you today?” Asking questions can spark meaningful conversations and enable you to support your child as they process their emotions and online interactions.
- Advocate for Safer AI Practices- The Oxford researchers stress the implementation of better policies and protections for children using AI-powered platforms. Do your best to stay informed and use parental controls where possible (Munzer, 2024).
- Example: If your child’s favorite app has a setting to limit recommendations or filter content, explore this setting together and adjust as needed.
AI usage presents exciting opportunities and unique challenges for caregivers and children to navigate. By staying engaged, asking thoughtful questions, and guiding your child’s interactions with AI, you can help them build healthy digital habits that can support their mental well-being.
References
Internet Matters. (n.d.). A guide to artificial intelligence (AI) for parents.https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/parent-guide-to-artificial-intelligence-ai-tools/
Mansfield, K. L., Ghai, S., Hakman, T., Ballou, N., Vuorre, M., & Przybylski, A. K. (2025). From social media to artificial intelligence: Improving research on digital harms in youth. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-4642(24)00332-8
Munzer, T. (2024, April 30). How will artificial intelligence (AI) affect children? HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/how-will-artificial-intelligence-AI-affect-children.aspx
Skool of Code. (n.d.). AI Parenting: How to talk to your kids about generative AI. https://skoolofcode.us/blog/ai-parenting-how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-generative-ai/#:~:text=Talk%20About%20Ethics%20and%20Responsibility,and%20copying%20someone%20else’s%20work.
University of Cambridge. (2024, July 15). AI chatbots have shown they have an empathy gap that children are likely to miss. https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/ai-chatbots-have-shown-they-have-an-empathy-gap-that-children-are-likely-to-miss