By Kerry Gallagher
Artificial intelligence is already part of teen life, but parents and teens are not always on the same page about AI. Studies just released in the past 2 months from Common Sense Media and Pew Research Center highlight important differences.
Teens are using AI more and in broader ways than many parents realize.
- About two thirds of teens report regular AI use (Common Sense Media)
- A majority have tried AI chatbots and about 30% use them daily (Pew Research Center)
- 54% use AI for schoolwork and 57% for information gathering (Pew Research Center)
Parents are more likely to view AI as risky. For example, most teens see AI as a helpful tool for learning, while many parents associate it with cheating (Common Sense Media). At the same time, both groups share concerns:
- 70% of parents and 62% of teens worry AI may reduce creativity (Common Sense Media)
- Large majorities in both groups express concern about data privacy (Common Sense Media)
Looking ahead, teens are generally more optimistic, believing AI will help them in the future, while parents are more cautious about long term effects like jobs and misinformation (Pew Research Center, Common Sense Media).
Here are some ideas for having conversations about AI at home:
- Ask how your teen actually uses AI and listen without judgment. Focus on their thinking by asking them to explain how AI helped.
- Talk openly about when AI supports learning and when it replaces it. Find out where your ideas align with your teen and where there might be differences.
- Discuss privacy in concrete terms, including what information gets shared.
- Try using AI tools yourself so you can stay part of the conversation.