Teens now spend hours confiding in AI systems, from homework helpers to emotionally validating chatbots, where the lines between AI addiction in children and helpful technology have become more intertwined than ever.
Kids using AI are subconsciously threading deep bonds with chatbots as instant responders, as they remember personal details, and provide endless affirmation. Seven in 10 adolescents now use at least one generative AI tool, yet only a third of parents know it.
Experts warn that these digital companions, marketed as harmless or even helpful, risk leading to a child addicted to AI for real world friendships and emotional support.
AI And Child Development
Researchers and clinicians stress that what is commonly known as “AI addiction” reflects problematic use, not a formal diagnosis. As Yale psychiatrist Yann Poncin, MD, explains, it mirrors unhealthy social media habits, difficulty logging off, withdrawal, and neglecting responsibilities.
Likewise, Bark Technologies’ Chief Parent Officer Titania Jordan warns regarding AI addiction in children that, “Kids can develop intense emotional relationships with these computer-generated text programs, as the chatbots always respond immediately and provide seemingly endless support.”
These dynamics that increase teenagers AI dependency are amplified by design. Platforms like Replika, Character.ai and Nomi offer never-ending interactions, highly personalized exchanges, and excessive validation.
As tech author Erin Walsh note, “Adolescence is marked by a growing desire for autonomy, privacy, and identity exploration… it’s no surprise that adolescents turn to AI to sort through their experiences in what feels like a private, affirming, and non-judgmental space.”
South African experts are sounding similar alarms. With teens spending an average of nine hours and 24 minutes daily on screens, the attention economy has shifted from short videos to intimate AI companionship and has led to AI and creativity loss.
“They’re forming relationships. And AI’s whole job is to make you happy. Could you imagine if your partner just wanted to please you 24/7… there was never ever an argument?” said Digital safety advocate Cheryl Barnett.
For isolated, anxious teens or even kids addicted to ChatGPT, the allure is even stronger. As Jordan explains, “Kids are drawn to this kind of content because it can provide a sounding board for big feelings, especially loneliness.”
But the cost of AI addiction in children is steep, reduced sleep, weakened social skills, and, in extreme cases, what some researchers describe as emerging AI-induced psychosis and the one fact to take into consideration is age appropriate AI tools.
AI Tools Parental Control
Clinicians emphasize early, calm intervention in regard to kids AI safety. Walsh advises parents to ask open-ended questions and avoid fear-driven reactions. Limiting access may help when it comes to child psychology and AI, but understanding why a teen turns to AI is crucial. Jordan reminds families, “Like with all technology, AI is a tool. It’s also a privilege, not a right.”
Parental control platforms such as Bark can restrict access to break AI addiction companions and unsafe apps, but experts stress that healthy modeling matters just as much. Conversations about how AI works and what it cannot replace help teens build resilience and digital literacy.
Researcher, Iske Conradie, argues that society is battling an opponent it cannot outsmart, “This is addictive tech… There’s just no way you could expect a developing mind to log off when you know you’re scrolling until 2am once you open that app.”
Yet teens themselves increasingly recognize the trap and, as Conradie’s work shows, want the AI design for children on platforms for connection not addiction.
Inside Telecom provides you with an extensive list of content covering all aspects of the tech industry. Keep an eye on our Intelligent Tech sections to stay informed and up-to-date with our daily articles.