ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – If you thought artificial intelligence (AI)was something only tech workers and college students were using, America’s kids have some news for you.

A new Common Sense Media report, which includes guidance from University of Michigan pediatrician and researcher Dr. Jenny Radesky, found that 86% of children ages 9 to 17 use or interact with AI, and nearly one in four use it every day. In other words, AI has gone from futuristic technology to something kids use almost as casually as TikTok, YouTube or social media.

Homework’s new best friend.

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The report found that 85% of young AI users rely on the technology for schoolwork or homework, while 89% use it for entertainment. Nearly half use AI for schoolwork at least once a week, and 21% use it daily. Not surprisingly, ChatGPT dominated the field. Forty percent of kids said it was the AI tool they use most often, far ahead of Google’s AI offerings.

The findings also suggest that while schools are still debating AI policies, many students have already moved on to figuring out which chatbot gives the best answers.

More than homework help.

The report also found that kids are using AI for much more personal matters. Among AI users, 57% said they have used it for information or advice about their health or body. Nearly half have used it for advice about future goals, 40% have used it to practice conversations or social skills, and 37% have discussed personal problems or feelings with an AI system.

Perhaps most striking, 12% of all kids surveyed said they would go to an AI chatbot before a trusted adult for questions about their health or body. Among daily AI users, that number jumps to 27%. That means that for some kids, “Ask your parents” is being replaced by “Ask the robot.”

Signs of dependency?

Researchers also found warning signs. Twenty percent of AI users said it would be difficult to go without AI for a month. Among daily users, that figure rises to 42%. Kids who use AI more frequently were also more likely to report feelings of loneliness. The report cautions that the survey does not prove AI causes loneliness. It may simply be that lonely kids are more likely to seek help from AI.

Adults still playing catch-up.

Despite AI’s rapid adoption, many kids say they aren’t getting much guidance on using it. Forty-four percent reported never having a conversation with parents about AI safety, and the same percentage said their schools had not discussed safe AI use.

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That may be the biggest takeaway from the report: AI has already arrived in America’s classrooms, bedrooms and phones but the adults are still looking for the instruction manual.