Almost a third of children who interact with artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots view the technology as akin to a friend, according to a new survey commissioned by Vodafone. The poll highlights the deepening integration of AI into the daily lives of young people, revealing that a substantial 81% of children aged 11 to 16 regularly use these tools.
The study found that 31% of young users regard AI chatbots as friends, often seeking their counsel on challenging situations (24%) and to manage worries and anxieties (20%). This reliance on AI for emotional support is noteworthy, with children spending an average of 42 minutes a day engaging with conversational chatbots. Concerns arise from the fact that one in three (33%) admitted to sharing personal information with chatbots that they would not disclose to parents, teachers, or friends—demonstrating a troubling level of trust and intimacy with the technology.
Moreover, 86% of young users reported acting on the advice given by chatbots, which raises questions regarding critical thinking and the potential risks associated with such reliance. The consistently friendly tone of chatbots was cited by 37% of respondents as a reason for engagement, while nearly one in five (17%) felt safer discussing issues with technology than with actual people. This trend extends to seeking advice, with 14% preferring AI chatbots over friends (10%) or teachers (3%), marking a significant shift in how young people seek guidance.
Child psychologist Dr. Elly Hanson expressed concerns about the potential impact of these “pseudo-relationships” on social development. She stated, “It is uncanny how effective AI chatbots can be at mimicking human empathy, personality and connection. As Vodafone’s research shows, this is leading many children and young people to feel like chatbots are their friends and is interfering with their social development. They need real relationships involving give-and-take, shared experience, diverse perspectives, and actual feelings, not pseudo-relationships designed to keep them hooked for as long as possible. Education designed to help young people critically analyse this anthropomorphic technology is urgently needed, alongside regulation that protects against its particular risks.”
In light of these findings, Vodafone is launching a “Breakfast Club” campaign, which will utilize a limited-edition cereal box to explain the components of an AI chatbot, emphasizing what it lacks, such as “empathy” and “accountability.” Nicki Lyons, chief corporate affairs and sustainability officer at Vodafone, acknowledged the challenges parents face in navigating this new digital terrain. “Knowing how to talk to your child about AI chatbots and online safety isn’t always straightforward. In our new campaign, we’ve used the language of food labelling to help parents and kids understand them. Our Breakfast Club resources help highlight what AI chatbots are made of, when – if used properly – they can be a force for good, and the risks when they are used as a substitute for connection, friendship or support,” she stated.
Barry Laker, head of the Childline service at the NSPCC, also echoed concerns, particularly regarding children confiding in AI rather than trusted adults. He noted, “It’s particularly concerning that a third of children are confiding in AI chatbots with concerns they wouldn’t share with parents, teachers or friends. That’s why open conversations with your child about AI chatbot use are so important, setting clear boundaries to help them stay safe and informed. Initiatives like Vodafone’s Breakfast Club campaign play a vital role in helping parents and carers with these conversations and supporting families to navigate these challenges together. Childline is here 24/7 to listen without judgment; our counsellors are real people who care about young people’s wellbeing. We’d encourage any child or young person who needs to talk to contact us on 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk.”
To further assist families, Vodafone has partnered with First News and the NSPCC to provide free resources, including family packs, lesson plans, and assembly materials aimed at enhancing children’s understanding of chatbots, promoting media literacy, and fostering healthy digital wellbeing. The comprehensive survey, conducted by Censuswide, gathered insights from 1,000 parents and 1,000 children aged 11 to 16 between October 30 and February 2.
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