AI and Teen Mental Health: What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know

AI is everywhere. From clinical cancer research to middle school homework assistance, more and more people are now using AI on a daily basis. And they use it a lot – recent reports show that the AI tool ChatGPT receives more than 2.5 billion queries every single day. 

AI is a daily-used tool for many teens

While there is no doubt that AI has its benefits, there are also pitfalls. Some of these drawbacks are severe or even life-threatening for impressionable populations like teenagers.

Understandably, many caregivers were left reeling over the story of Adam Raine, a teenager who tragically took his own life. His parents, who are are suing OpenAI (ChatGPT’s parent company), allege that their son confided in and sought advice from ChatGPT regarding his suicidal thoughts, but the AI tool validated his plans instead of referring him to life-saving resources.

In light of this news, caregivers are wondering how to tread the line between accepting that AI is an ever-present and often helpful tool, while also protecting their teens from potentially harmful effects. Continue reading to learn more about AI and teen mental health, including the positives, the negatives, and where to go from here.

The Bright Side

When its main features help to reduce anxiety, increase confidence, or prepare for upcoming tasks, it’s possible for the link between AI and teen mental health to have some positive outcomes. These include:

• Teens who struggle with executive functioning may take advantage of AI's ability to brainstorm, outline ideas, or organize tasks.

• Teens with learning differences might seek support from AI when they have questions about their homework or would like additional skill practice.

• Teens who experience discomfort in social situations can practice their communication skills with AI tools in preparation for an interview, presentation, etc.

The Downside 

While AI has its benefits when used responsibly, the risk of improper AI usage is high, especially where teens are concerned. Here are some examples:

• Teens who copy ChatGPT’s content as if it’s their own when completing homework and assignments not only breach academic integrity but also deny themselves the opportunity to learn and grow creatively.

• Though it gets more precise every day, AI is not perfect. It can be unreliable, and it may be hard for teens to recognize when the information it provides is inaccurate.

• Most critically, teens who engage with AI while in crisis may not receive the support they desperately need. We’ll share more about this below. 

AI and Teen Mental Health: The Biggest Risk

The most important takeaway from this whole discussion should be that AI is simply not a replacement for mental health care. An individual asking AI for support or advice regarding mental health struggles, thoughts of self-harm, or dangerous behavior may be at greater risk for hurting themselves or others than someone who confides in a human being. 

AI tools are not equipped to diagnose or treat mental health conditions, offer crisis support, or provide therapy services. In spite of this, using AI for mental health purposes is unfortunately still appealing to some teens. Here’s why:

AI tools cannot replace mental health care.

• Teens have an underdeveloped prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that controls their decision-making abilities.

• They see AI as a valuable tool for many purposes, which instills a false sense of confidence in its ability to help with certain critical needs.

• Teens who don’t feel as though they can confide in a trusted adult may feel drawn to AI for its anonymity and lack of judgement.

These combined factors make it difficult for teens to recognize the dangerous pitfalls of using AI to fulfill their mental health needs.

Preventative Steps for Parents and Caregivers

As with any sensitive concern, getting ahead of risky AI usage before it happens is ideal. Here are some ways to be proactive regarding AI and teen mental health:

• Maintain open lines of communication with your teen about all sorts of topics, which may require listening without a judgmental or “fix-it” mentality. This helps increase the likelihood that they’ll come to you when they need support.

• Familiarize yourself with the AI tools your teen uses. Then ask your teen about how they use these tools and encourage them to share what a sample query or two might look like for them.

• Discuss AI’s benefits and limits with your teen. Work together to come up with some guidelines that make sense for AI usage in your household. This doesn’t guarantee that your teen will always abide by the guidelines (see previously mentioned “underdeveloped prefrontal cortex”), but at the very least it should put some AI-related concerns on their radar.

When You Have Serious Concerns

If your teen becomes more withdrawn or exhibits concerning behaviors and won’t communicate with you, reach out to a trusted mental health professional for guidance and support tailored to your specific situation. And most importantly, if you suspect your teen’s – or someone else’s – life is in danger, call 911 immediately. 

The Bottom Line

Staying curious about how teens use AI opens the door for connection and guidance.

Although it has quickly become an essential tool for many people, AI should never be used as a substitute for mental health care. Since teens are vulnerable to making this mistake, it’s important to talk with them early and often about the risks of AI usage and take swift action if you notice any red flags. 

It’s impossible to have eyes everywhere or know exactly what teens are thinking at all times. However, when parents and caregivers are at the very least aware of the concerns regarding AI and teen mental health, they are better prepared to seek appropriate mental health support for their children when they need it.