Concerns Over AI Chatbots as Mental Health Resources Among Teens

According to a new study by Pew Research Center, 64% of American teens aged 13 to 17 report using AI chatbots, with 30% saying they use them daily. The study found that 16% of teens use AI chatbots several times a day or almost constantly.

ChatGPT is the most widely used chatbot, with 59% of teens reporting its use, followed by Google's Gemini at 23% and Meta AI at 20%. The report also indicates that more Black and Hispanic teens use AI chatbots compared to White teens, and that ChatGPT use is more prevalent among higher-income households, while lower- and middle-income teens are more likely to use Character.AI.

These findings come amid rising concerns over the safety and effectiveness of AI chatbots as mental health resources, particularly after tragic incidents involving minors. In a wrongful death lawsuit filed in 2025, a California couple accused ChatGPT of assisting their 16-year-old son, Adam Raine, with suicide methods and discouraging him from confiding in his parents about his suicidal thoughts.

In a separate case, a Florida mother sued Character.AI after her 14-year-old son was allegedly encouraged by a chatbot to return home shortly before his suicide. The American Psychological Association has warned the FTC about the risks posed by AI chatbots acting as unlicensed therapists, especially for vulnerable youth.

In response to these concerns, Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri has initiated a probe into Meta for allowing its chatbots to engage in inappropriate conversations with children. He introduced the GUARD Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at enforcing age verification for AI companies, which recently gained additional cosponsors.

The Pew report also highlighted that a significant majority of teens use social media frequently, with about 20% using TikTok and YouTube almost constantly. The detrimental effects of excessive screen time on mental health, including links to depression and anxiety, have been documented.

Global regulators, including Australia, have begun implementing bans on social media access for children under 16, with other nations considering similar measures.