Kids & AI: What Parents Should Know About Mental Health in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Please note, this blog is researched, written, and maintained by non-clinical staff. Therefore, it should be taken for psychoeducational purposes only, and not as a substitute for medical or therapeutic advice. If you are experiencing a life threatening emergency call 911. For non life threatening mental health crises, call 988.

For better or worse, AI is here to stay. It's crucial for parents to learn how AI can impact their children's mental health.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a “future” issue—it’s already part of our children’s everyday lives. In fact, this generation of children are being referred to as the "AI Generation". From homework help and video recommendations to chatbots and gaming platforms, kids are interacting with AI more often than many parents realize.

While AI can be helpful and educational, it also raises important questions about children’s mental health, emotional development, and social skills; with unprecedented access to technology, these are crucial considerations. Understanding both the benefits and the risks allows parents to guide their kids in healthier ways.

How Kids Are Using AI Today

Many children encounter AI through:

• Educational tools and homework helpers (either truly to "help" or to completely construct a research project)

• Video and social media algorithms

• Gaming platforms with AI-driven characters

• Chatbots and conversational apps

• Voice assistants like Alexa or Siri

For kids, these tools can feel interactive, responsive, and even “relational,” which is where mental health concerns can arise - more on that in a moment.

Potential Mental Health Benefits of AI for Kids

When used appropriately, AI can offer real advantages:

• Learning support: Personalized tutoring and skill practice

• Accessibility: Tools for kids with learning differences or speech challenges

• Emotional awareness tools: Some apps help children label feelings or practice coping skills

• Confidence building: Low-pressure environments to practice problem-solving

AI can be a supplement to learning and emotional growth—but it should never replace human connection.

Mental Health Concerns Parents Should Watch For

AI becomes problematic when it starts replacing real-world experiences. Common concerns include:

1. Reduced Social Skills

If children rely on AI for interaction, they may struggle with reading social cues, managing conflict, or building peer relationships.

2. Emotional Attachment to Technology

Some kids begin treating AI as a “friend” or emotional outlet, which can blur boundaries and limit emotional resilience.

3. Increased Anxiety or Perfectionism

AI often provides instant answers and “ideal” responses, which can increase pressure to perform or fear making mistakes.

4. Exposure to Inappropriate Content

AI tools are not always filtered perfectly, and children may encounter material they aren’t emotionally ready for.

5. Dependence and Avoidance

Using AI to escape boredom, stress, or difficult emotions can prevent kids from developing healthy coping skills.

Signs AI Use May Be Affecting Your Child’s Mental Health

Consider seeking support if you notice:

• Increased irritability when devices are removed

• Withdrawal from friends or family

• Anxiety around school performance or mistakes

• Difficulty managing emotions without a device

• Strong emotional reactions tied to online interactions

  
  

These signs don't mean the technology is "bad" per se, but does need to be monitored closely by parents.

How Parents Can Support Healthy AI Use

Parents don’t need to eliminate AI - for better or worse, it's here to stay - but they do need to stay involved.

• Talk openly: Ask kids how they use AI and what they like about but r

• Set boundaries: Create screen-free times and spaces

• Emphasize real relationships: Encourage play, conversation, and creativity

• Model balance: Kids learn more from what we do than what we say

• Teach critical thinking: Help kids understand that AI isn’t a person and doesn’t replace real support

  
  

When Therapy Can Help

If your child is struggling with anxiety, emotional regulation, social skills, or technology dependence, therapy can provide:

• Tools for managing emotions

• Support for healthy coping skills

• Guidance on social and family relationships

• A safe space to talk about online experiences

Therapy helps kids build resilience so technology becomes a tool—not a crutch.

Final Thoughts

AI is here to stay, and it will continue shaping how kids learn, play, and connect. The goal isn’t fear—but rather, intentional use. With guidance, boundaries, and support, children can benefit from AI while still developing the emotional skills they need to thrive.

If you have concerns about how technology is impacting your child’s mental health, reaching out to a licensed therapist can be a powerful first step. At Caring Conversations, we are here to help parents, kids, and teens guide the unprecedented use of AI technology and how that impacts mental health. We are located in Greensburg, PA, and offer virtual sessions for anyone in Pennsylvania. Reach out today to see if we'd be a good fit for your family :) Call/text - 724.201.9815