More teens are using AI: What parents should know | Michigan Medicine

Guidance for Parents on Teen AI Usage

• Rising Adoption: Approximately 25% of teens now use ChatGPT for schoolwork, a figure that has doubled since 2023.
• The Role of AI: Experts advise reframing AI as a tool for brainstorming or research rather than a shortcut for completing assignments. Over-reliance can hinder deep thinking and the development of critical learning skills.
• Critical Thinking & Literacy: Parents should teach teens that AI is not a "thinker" but a pattern-matching tool that can generate misinformation, bias, or harmful content. Teens should be encouraged to cross-check AI outputs with credible sources.
• Academic Integrity: School policies on AI vary significantly. Parents should clarify what constitutes acceptable use versus plagiarism to avoid potential academic consequences.
• Social & Emotional Risks:
  • Virtual Companions: Some AI tools are designed to build emotional relationships, which can lead to unhealthy dependence or isolation from real-world social connections.
  • Mental Health Dangers: Research indicates that AI chatbots can provide dangerous, harmful advice regarding self-harm, suicide, eating disorders, and substance abuse.
• Parental Action Items:
  • Monitor Usage: Regularly discuss what apps and tools teens are using.
  • Implement Controls: Use device restrictions or download controls to limit access to inappropriate chatbot accounts.
  • Prioritize Human Connection: Encourage offline social interactions to ensure AI does not replace real-world relationships.
  • Open Dialogue: Maintain nonjudgmental, ongoing conversations about what teens are experiencing online to identify potential issues early.