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One in three children say AI chatbot is their ‘friend’ as experts warn of hidden risks

One in three children say AI chatbot is their ‘friend’ as experts warn of hidden risks

31% of 11–16-year-olds say AI chatbots feel like friends, with many acting on their advice.

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Published: February 16, 2026 at 9:24 AM

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As AI chatbots become part of everyday life, many of our children are not just using them for homework help or quick answers, they are building emotional connections with them.

New research from VodafoneThree reveals that 81% of 11 to 16-year-olds are using AI chatbots. Of those, almost a third, 31%, say the chatbot feels like a friend.

For parents already navigating social media, gaming and group chats, experts say AI presents a different kind of digital challenge, one that requires new conversations at home.

Children are acting on chatbot advice

The research suggests that chatbots are not just a passing curiosity. More than three quarters, 86%, of young users admit they have acted on advice given by a bot. Meanwhile, one in three, 33%, say they have shared something with a chatbot that they would not tell their parents, teachers or even friends.

Vodafone’s findings also show that 39% of children believe chatbots can understand emotions like people do, and 17% say speaking to technology feels safer than speaking to a person.

Features such as constant availability, cited by 51%, and a consistently friendly tone, 37%, are part of the appeal.

According to Toni Koraza, founder of MADX Digital, this signals a shift in the type of risks families need to think about online.

“For years, online safety has focused on what children might see – harmful posts, strangers in chat rooms, inappropriate content,” Koraza says. “With AI, the concern is different. It’s about how children interact with the technology, and how personal that interaction can feel.”

“Chatbots are built to feel helpful, friendly and constantly available,” he continues. “For a child, that can make it very easy to forget they’re talking to a system, not a person.”

Why AI feels different from social media

Unlike scrolling through TikTok or messaging school friends, AI chatbots simulate one to one conversation. They respond instantly, remember previous messages and often mirror the user’s tone.

“Children are still developing their understanding of trust, authority and emotional connection,” says Koraza. “When a system is designed to mimic empathy, it can create a false sense of security. Parents need to explain that chatbots don’t ‘care’ – they generate responses based on patterns in data.”

He warns that this human-like design can contribute to isolation, discourage real world conversations and narrow how children form opinions and process information.

For busy mums, it can also be harder to spot. AI use often happens quietly, through homework support or private chats, rather than public posts or visible comment threads.

The hidden risks parents may not see

Koraza highlights several areas families should keep on their radar:

Emotional dependency

Vodafone’s study found 37% of children admit they confide in AI tools, with 16% seeking mental health-related advice. Turning to a chatbot for friendship or reassurance may feel harmless, but it can reduce the likelihood of seeking support from trusted adults.

Unchecked advice

With 55% of young users saying they struggle to tell whether information is accurate or biased, acting on chatbot guidance can be risky. “AI doesn’t verify truth in the way adults assume it does,” Koraza notes.

Academic over-reliance

Nearly half of teachers surveyed say students are increasingly turning to AI for schoolwork, and 29% have observed declines in independent thinking or problem solving skills.

“When AI completes the thinking process for them, children can develop a false sense of competence,” says Koraza. “They submit polished answers, but the learning hasn’t actually happened.”

Late-night screen creep

Because AI chats can feel productive, parents may not realise how often they are being used. “Parents may not realise their child is awake at midnight asking a chatbot for homework help or personal advice,” Koraza adds. “That quiet interaction can disrupt sleep and emotional regulation.”

How to talk to your child about AI

Experts stress that banning AI entirely is neither realistic nor necessary. Instead, the focus should be on structure, boundaries and open conversation.

Explain what AI really is
Help children understand that chatbots generate responses based on data patterns, not feelings, expertise or moral judgement.
Set clear rules around use
Be specific about when AI can be used for homework support and when it crosses into cheating. Where possible, keep AI-enabled devices out of bedrooms overnight.
Use parental controls
WiFi filters, platform controls and family safety apps can help limit access to inappropriate content and monitor usage time.
Keep conversations calm
If your child admits they have asked a chatbot for personal advice, try not to panic. “A strong emotional response can shut down communication,” says Koraza. “The goal is trust and guidance, not fear.”
Encourage critical thinking
Ask questions such as: Where might this information come from? Could it be biased? Would you double check this with another source?

“AI should be positioned as a tool – not a substitute for friendship, parenting or independent thinking,” Koraza says.

Where to get help

If you are worried about your child’s online experiences, support is available:

The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command, part of the National Crime Agency, helps protect children against abuse and grooming.
The Internet Watch Foundation has a reporting page for indecent or illegal images so they can be reviewed and taken down.
All major social media platforms have reporting tools to flag users or posts.
If you believe content is linked to terrorism or extremism, contact the police or the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit immediately.
Charities such as NSPCC and Childline in the UK offer helplines and resources for children facing cyberbullying or online abuse.

For millennial parents raising digital natives, the message is clear. AI is here to stay, but so is your role as the most important voice in your child’s life.