Chatbots still fall short in mental health conversations with children
A recent study finds chatbots still handle mental health conversations with children inadequately. According to Psychology Today, researchers found a link between young people's use of generative AI for emotional purposes and their mental health problems; a Dayton Daily News investigation says companies, parents and users can all take steps to protect children.
Who is affected and how
- parent
- A chatbot is no substitute for a professional, so children's use of AI for emotional support deserves attention.
- school leader
- School psychological and mental health protocols should account for chatbots.
- edtech company
- Chatbots aimed at children need separate testing for mental health scenarios.
Sources
- Chatbots are still falling short in mental health conversations with kidsthe washington post · Sep 23, 2026
- Chatbots still make risky errors in talks with teens about mental health - The Washington Postwashingtonpost.com · Sep 23, 2026
- Chatbots still make risky errors in talks with teens about mental health - Behavioral Healthcare Networkbhnet.org · Sep 23, 2026
- AI is impacting local kids’ mental health: How can we keep them safe?springfield news-sun · Sep 26, 2026
- Mental Health Matters: How AI is impacting youth mental health | Local | springfieldnewssun.comspringfieldnewssun.com · Sep 26, 2026
- AI Use and Emotional Problems in Children and Teens | Psychology Todaypsychologytoday.com · Sep 25, 2026
- AI Use and Emotional Problems in Children and Teenspsychology today · Sep 25, 2026
- When AI goes wrong for kids: Risks of chatbot advicethe straits times · Sep 27, 2026
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