"This report explores how children are interacting with AI chatbots, which are computer programmes designed to simulate conversation with a person. Our findings show that while these tools can offer clear benefits, such as 24/7 learning support and a non-judgemental space to ask questions, they pose ... risks to children’s safety and development. A key concern highlighted by this research is that children are using AI chatbots in emotionally driven ways, including for friendship and advice, despite many of the popular AI chatbots not being built for children to use in this way. Almost a quarter (23%) of children who use AI chatbots have sought advice from the tools, and over a third (35%) of children who have used AI chatbots said chatting with an AI chatbot feels like talking to a friend, with this figure rising to 50% for vulnerable children. Furthermore, one in eight (12%) children who use AI chatbots said they talk to them because they have no one else to speak with. While these experiences can feel supportive, they also carry risks. Children may become overly reliant on AI chatbots or receive inaccurate or inappropriate responses, with experts suggesting they may also be less likely to seek help from trusted adults. These themes are explored through insights drawn from focus groups, user testing and survey data, alongside desk research and expert interviews. Together, they paint a picture of how AI chatbots are reshaping childhood – and why coordinated action is needed urgently among various stakeholders to ensure children can explore their potential safely and positively." (Executive summary, page 4) more

"Young people’s behaviour online is influenced less by rules about online safety than about how they feel. It is influenced by emotional needs, pre-existing vulnerabilities and the support around them. Implications for professionals 1. These messages from young people can help those working in ser ... vices for children to be alert to harmful content - even when this is not immediately obvious. Pro-anorexia, self-harm material, or content about suicide is very widely seen by all young people and vulnerable groups in particular. 2. Known offline vulnerability should be included in the assessment of any case with a primarily digital component. The impact of multiple or cumulative vulnerabilities present concurrently, or perhaps in the child’s past, may contribute to the extent to which they at risk they might be online. 3. In safeguarding practice: while one risk may be the cause of the referral, there may be other online issues, possibly even more serious, that have not been disclosed. Relationships found between risk types, show that it is likely that others have been experienced or might yet be encountered. 4. Evidence is now being published on the impact on young people of lockdown life during a pandemic - when the role of the digital world in our lives has immensely increased. Research by Young Minds among 2,111 young people (aged 13-25) with a history of mental health needs describes worsening mental health for 83% of respondents. Many reported heightened anxiety, sleep problems, panic attacks and increased urges to self-harm (among those with a history of doing so). A quarter of these young people no longer had access to mental health support as a result of the pandemic. Worsening mental health among children and young people has also been noted by Barnardos. The Children’s Society had reported a decline in children’s well-being predating COVID-19. Children’s mean happiness with their lives was at its lowest since 2009/10.15 Given the rise of mental and emotional health issues, professionals should consider the digital lives of those they are supporting and assessments should include this." (Conclusion) more

"“Vulnerable children are more likely to be at risk from online dangers than their peers, and it’s vital that professionals working with young people understand the risks and how to help keep children safe. This Internet Matters report is a very welcome resource, explaining why we need to incorp ... orate online risks into assessments and support. This is about responding to children’s lived experiences in the digital age. We would urge everyone working with vulnerable children to engage fully with the report’s findings and recommendations.” (Page 5) more