Almost a third of children who use AI chatbots consider the technology to be a friend, according to a new survey that has prompted Vodafone to launch an education campaign highlighting the risks of young people confiding in artificial intelligence.
The survey of 2,000 people – including 1,000 children aged 11 to 16 – found that 81 percent of this age group use AI chatbots. Of those users, 31 percent describe the chatbots as like a friend. The findings reveal children are turning to AI for sensitive issues: 24 percent seek advice on difficult situations, while 20 percent use chatbots for help with worries and anxieties. A third shared information with AI they would not tell parents, teachers or friends.
The research uncovered further concerning patterns. Some 86 percent of young users acted on advice given by chatbots. Children spent an average of 42 minutes daily chatting with conversational AI. Many preferred technology over human guidance – 14 percent trust chatbot advice more than counsel from a friend, and 37 percent cited the chatbots' consistently friendly tone as a key reason for engagement.
Expert warnings on development risks
Dr Elly Hanson, a child psychologist, warned that the technology interferes with social development. «It is uncanny how effective AI chatbots can be at mimicking human empathy, personality and connection,» she said. «As Vodafone's research shows, this is leading many children and young people to feel like chatbots are their friends and is interfering with their social development. They need real relationships involving give-and-take, shared experience, diverse perspectives, and actual feelings, not pseudo-relationships designed to keep them hooked for as long as possible.»
Hanson called for urgent action: «Education designed to help young people critically analyse this anthropomorphic technology is urgently needed, alongside regulation that protects against its particular risks.»
Campaign uses food labelling concept
In response to the findings, Vodafone launched its "Breakfast Club" campaign featuring a limited-edition cereal box that uses food labelling language to detail what AI chatbots contain – and what they lack, such as empathy and accountability. Nicki Lyons, chief corporate affairs and sustainability officer at VodafoneThree, said the approach aims to simplify difficult conversations.
«Knowing how to talk to your child about AI chatbots and online safety isn't always straightforward,» Lyons explained. «In our new campaign, we've used the language of food labelling to help parents and kids understand them. Our Breakfast Club resources help highlight what AI chatbots are made of, when – if used properly – they can be a force for good, and the risks when they are used as a substitute for connection, friendship or support.»
Support resources and guidance
The campaign includes free resources developed with First News and the NSPCC, featuring family packs, lesson plans, assembly materials and expert tips designed to build children's understanding of chatbots and promote healthy digital wellbeing.
Barry Laker, head of the Childline service at the NSPCC, emphasized the importance of parental involvement. «It's particularly concerning that a third of children are confiding in AI chatbots with concerns they wouldn't share with parents, teachers or friends,» he said. «That's why open conversations with your child about AI chatbot use is so important, setting clear boundaries to help them stay safe and informed.»
Laker stressed that real human support remains available: «Childline is here 24/7 to listen without judgment; our counsellors are real people who care about young people's wellbeing. We'd encourage any child or young person who needs to talk to contact us on 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk.»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
