Parents' Growing Concerns Over Kids' Exposure to AI Chatbots
Parents are increasingly concerned about their children's exposure to AI chatbots and other digital technologies. A recent survey reveals that 15% of parents with children aged 11-12 have encountered this issue, with usage averaging out to 8% among children aged 12 or under.
The use of digital devices among young children is widespread. According to the survey, 90% of children aged 12 or under use television, 68% use tablets, and 61% use smartphones. Additionally, about 40% of parents report their children using voice assistants like Alexa and Siri. However, the use of AI chatbots is less common, with only 7% of parents with children aged 8-10 and 3% of those with children aged 5-7 reporting such usage.
Concerns about chatbot usage have led to action from tech companies and lawmakers. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has added parental controls following a lawsuit alleging the chatbot contributed to a teenager's suicide. Some states have also issued warnings to AI companies about potentially harmful technology. In the USA, the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) prohibits companies from collecting personal data from children under 13 without parental consent. However, the precise percentage of parents who admit to knowing their children aged 5-12 interact with chatbots remains unclear.
Parents are grappling with managing their children's screen time. While 42% of parents believe they could do better, 58% feel they are already doing their best. Bark Technologies advises parents to educate themselves about AI and chatbots to guide their children and mitigate potential risks.
As AI chatbot usage among children increases, so do parental concerns and the need for education. Tech companies and lawmakers are taking steps to address these issues, but it's crucial for parents to stay informed and involved in their children's digital activities.
