Artificial intelligence (AI) is fundamentally changing the childhood experience but research is struggling to keep up, according to experts from The Australian National University (ANU).
ANU researchers, funded by Australian Rotary Health, are trying to fill some of the gaps in knowledge about how children interact with AI chatbots by talking directly with nine to 12-year-olds. “We urgently need to know more about how AI is impacting children,” lead researcher Associate Professor Amy Dawel, of the ANU School of Medicine and Psychology, said. “We are interested in talking to nine to 12-year-olds from across Australia, especially those who have AI friends, talk to AI about their feelings, or seek advice from AI about social or personal situations.”
Australian children are using AI from a young age, with many starting in primary school.
A recent report from the Australian eSafety Commissioner, Talking to Machines , shows around four in five young people aged 10 to 17 years report chatting with AI tools, with ChatGPT being the most popular.
“Many people are surprised by how young children are starting to use AI chatbots,” Associate Professor Dawel said.
“What we need now is a deep understanding of children’s experience of AI. We want to know what they are chatting to AI about and why, and how this makes them feel.
“One of the best ways to start building this understanding is through conversation rather than numbers – so we are interviewing nine to 12-year-olds from all over Australia.”
The eSafety report shows most children are using AI chatbots for things like homework or entertainment, such as writing stories. Often parents are aware of this. But many children are also using AI for personal conversations too, asking for advice on what to do in social situations, or about their physical or mental health. Sometimes, parents might not be aware of their children using AI for these other reasons.
“Our research will help us understand how chatting with AI is impacting children’s real-life friendships and wellbeing, so that we can help ensure AI supports rather than harms our youngest Australians,” Associate Professor Dawel said.
“It’s critical that our children know how to use AI safely. A major worry is that children are often sharing personal information with AI. Sometimes this isn’t obvious. They might know not to share their name or address but still upload a photo of themselves so that they can create with it, like turning themselves into a mermaid or a pirate.”
What can parents do?
Associate Professor Dawel said it was important for parents and guardians to familiarise themselves with AI chatbots their children were using.
“Read the fine print. Often children are using AI without a good understanding of how it does, or does not, protect their privacy,” Associate Professor Dawel said.
“But the most important step is to have open and non-judgemental conversations with your child about AI.
“A good approach is to be curious. Express your interest in their experience by asking questions. To get the conversation started, parents may find it helpful to chat with AI together with their child.”
The ANU study involves a one-hour online interview and children receive a $20 gift card for their participation. Interested parents and guardians are invited to complete an Expression of Interest form
