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AI chatbots are becoming common in apps and websites used by children. These digital companions imitate human dialogue as they function as digital associates. Research conducted by Common Sense Media in 2025 revealed that artificial intelligence chatbots had been utilized by 10% of children aged between 5 to 8 years old.
The usage of AI chatbots within the teenage population reaches 51% whereas parents' awareness about this phenomenon stands at 37%.
Research indicates that tablets have become possession of more than half of children who are under four years old. The rising popularity of this trend results in higher chances for students to encounter AI chatbots. Child-oriented businesses directly promote chatbots to young users despite the inaccurate age classification system maintained by app stores.
Sensor Tower confirmed the addition of AI features across over 3,000 different apps throughout 2024. The total number of available apps reaches above 500 games and exceeds 300 education games and apps.
Children find it difficult to recognize whether they speak with human colleagues or artificial intelligence agents. Children become confused when encountering AI-generated conversations because they may believe the chatbots to be real friends. Multiple news reports show chatbots behaving improperly while providing incorrect information to users.
The responses AI chatbots produce through datasets are not consistently reliable. The false assertion made by specific chatbots that they possess human characteristics leads to confusing boundaries between fact and fiction for children. Also, safety issues regarding privacy protection emerge as a pressing matter. Data exposure to chatbots has the potential to influence educational decisions and employment selection in later opportunities.
Parents must monitor, pay close attention and know how much time their kids spend using artificial intelligence chatbots. Multiple apps embed chatbot functionalities without providing users with obvious warning notices. Looking at social media platforms, they warn that AI responses may be biased or harmful. Despite these multiple calls for regulation, the use of AI chatbots continues to rise.
Experts state that children need education about online interactions alongside restricted usage of chatbots. The current lack of strict regulations allows digital imaginary friends to pose dangers to youth users on the internet.
