Welcome to "Me, Myself, and AI": Exploring Children’s Use of AI Chatbots

An Introduction to Our Panel Discussion

In this session, we’ll delve into the findings from our recent report "Me, Myself, and AI," focusing on how children interact with AI chatbots and the implications for their online safety and development.

Internet Matters: Safeguarding Children’s Digital Lives

For over a decade, Internet Matters has aimed to guide parents and caregivers in ensuring children’s safety in an ever-evolving digital environment. In this presentation, we will discuss both the exciting opportunities and the challenges presented by children’s use of AI chatbots.

Session Housekeeping

Before we begin, a couple of announcements: Today’s session is being recorded and will be available on our YouTube channel. Please use the chat for any technical issues, and we encourage you to participate in the Q&A session.

Research Overview: Understanding Children and AI Chatbots

Our research explores how children utilize AI chatbots, focusing on three primary areas: academic support, emotional advice, and companionship. We will share insights from data collected through surveys and focus groups involving children and parents across the UK.

Agenda: From Findings to Panel Reflections

We’ll start with a presentation of our research findings led by Katie Freeman-Taylor, followed by reflections from our expert panelists. Questions from the audience will be welcomed throughout the session.

Conclusion and Call to Action

As we face new challenges in the digital landscape, collaboration between parents, educators, and industry stakeholders is essential to ensure the responsible use of AI technologies for children. This session aims to shed light on the complexities of AI’s role in young lives and explore the path forward.

Thank You for Joining Us!

Your presence today highlights the importance of addressing these conversations. Let’s continue to work together to foster a safe and supportive digital environment for children.

Embracing AI: Navigating the Digital Landscape of Childhood

Welcome, everyone! Today, we dive deep into the compelling discussions around our recently published report, "Me, Myself, and AI," which explores children’s encounters with AI chatbots. The digital age presents monumental challenges and opportunities for parents, educators, and tech developers alike.

Understanding Our Mission

Internet Matters, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping parents and caregivers safeguard children online, has been on a mission for over a decade. We’ve witnessed unparalleled shifts in the digital landscape, from the platforms children engage with to the technology they use. Today, we invite you to explore the nuanced dynamics of AI chatbots in children’s lives, an ever-present issue that has become more pressing than ever.

AI in Children’s Lives: A Snapshot

From our findings, it’s revealed that two-thirds of children aged 9 to 17 have interacted with AI chatbots, using them for schoolwork, advice, and companionship. It’s essential to analyze how these tools impact children—both positively and negatively. The report identifies key areas of exploration, highlighting a shift in how children utilize technology.

1. Academic Assistance: AI chatbots are increasingly seen as helpful for schoolwork. While they provide benefits in learning, there’s a growing concern that reliance on these tools may undermine children’s critical thinking skills.

2. Seeking Advice: A notable portion of children turns to AI chatbots for advice on sensitive topics—a non-judgmental outlet but also fraught with risks like misinformation and lack of context.

3. Companionship: Strikingly, children are forming emotional bonds with chatbots. This blurs the lines between digital and real-world interactions, raising questions about the implications for emotional development.

The Panel Discussion Highlights

Our session featured an insightful panel discussion with leading experts. Here’s a snapshot of their reflections:

• Elle Davies (Children’s Commissioner) emphasized that the rapid development of technology often outpaces our understanding of its implications for children, particularly around trust and agency.
• Caroline Hurst (LEGO Group) called attention to ensuring children’s digital rights are central to technology developments, advocating for a more child-centered approach to digital innovation.
• Simon Turner (Foil) discussed the necessity of transparency in AI tools and the importance of parental controls to maintain a safe environment for children online.

Addressing Concerns and Opportunities

As we look to the future, the call for collaborative efforts between industries, government, schools, and families is crucial. Here are some key recommendations based on our discussions:

1. Regulatory Clarity: There’s a pressing need for clear guidelines on how existing legislation applies to AI chatbots, especially regarding age verification and created content standards.

2. Empowering Parents: Tools like parental controls must be easier to implement, allowing parents to oversee their children’s interactions with AI.

3. Educational Initiatives: Schools must integrate AI literacy into their curriculums—teaching not just how to use these tools but also addressing their potential risks and ethical considerations.

4. Fostering Emotional Intelligence: Given children are forming bonds with chatbots, we must understand and nurture their emotional development in a digital context.

Final Thoughts

The integration of AI into children’s lives is a testament to the evolving digital landscape. As we navigate this complex environment, we must prioritize the safety, well-being, and agency of our children. The onus is on all of us—parents, educators, technologists, and policymakers—to ensure that children can embrace technology in a positive and empowering way.

Thank you for joining this pivotal conversation. Together, we can shape a future where children thrive both online and offline.