WIDELY USED BY TEENS ELUDE REGULATORY HURDLES

While governments across the world are tightening rules on teenagers' use of social media, experts are raising concerns that another rapidly growing digital influence has largely escaped regulatory attention: artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots.

Countries including Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Canada have introduced or proposed measures aimed at protecting children and adolescents from the harmful effects of social media. These initiatives focus on issues such as age verification, screen time, online safety and exposure to harmful contents.

However, technology researchers and child safety advocates argue that AI-powered chatbots�"such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot and Character.AI�"are becoming an equally influential part of young people's digital lives, despite receiving far less attention from policymakers.

According to a CNBC report published recently, nearly half of teenagers in the United States now use AI chatbots in some form. Many rely on them for homework, information gathering or creative projects, while others simply use them for entertainment or casual conversation.

Although AI chatbots offer significant educational and productivity benefits, experts caution that increasing emotional dependence on these tools could create new risks for children's mental health and social development.

From Learning Assistant to Emotional Companion: Unlike traditional search engines, AI chatbots respond in a conversational manner. They answer questions instantly, provide encouragement and can sustain long conversations without becoming impatient.

For many teenagers, particularly those experiencing loneliness or anxiety, this makes AI chatbots appealing companions.

Experts warn that some young users are beginning to spend more time interacting with AI systems than with friends or family members. Since chatbots rarely challenge users' opinions and generally provide supportive responses, they can create a sense of emotional comfort that may gradually replace real-world social interactions.

Researchers say this growing emotional attachment deserves far greater attention than it currently receives.


At the same time, emerging academic research suggests that excessive chatbot use may contribute to unhealthy behavioural patterns, including symptoms similar to digital addiction.

While scientists stress that research into the long-term psychological effects of AI interaction is still developing, many believe governments should not wait until stronger evidence emerges before considering safeguards for children.

Learning from the Social Media Experience: Digital humanities experts argue that policymakers should avoid repeating mistakes made during the early years of social media.

Caitlin Regan, Associate Professor in Digital Humanities at University College London, says society was slow to recognise the broader impacts of social media on young people. She believes a similar situation is unfolding with AI, where rapidly evolving technologies are reaching children long before comprehensive safety standards are established.

According to Regan, experimental AI systems are already being used by millions of young people despite limited evidence about their long-term developmental and psychological impacts.

Policy Still Moving Slowly; Professor Sonia Livingstone of the London School of Economics says governments remain focused primarily on encouraging AI innovation and investment.

While many countries have announced ambitious national AI strategies, she argues that legislation specifically designed to protect children has progressed much more slowly. Experts say this imbalance could leave younger users exposed to risks that have not yet been fully understood.

Different Countries Taking Different Approaches: Some governments have begun addressing AI safety, although existing measures remain limited. In the United Kingdom, authorities have proposed restrictions on certain AI-powered "romantic companion" chatbots for users under the age of 18. These systems are designed to simulate intimate personal relationships and have attracted increasing scrutiny from child safety advocates.

However, Britain has yet to introduce comprehensive rules governing teenagers' use of general-purpose AI chatbots.