A resurgence of concern about children’s interaction with technology is emerging, with increasing scrutiny by parents and commentators on the use of smartphones, social media, and screens by kids. Despite this, teenagers continue to adopt generative AI tools. Recent research sheds light on the specific AI tools being used by teenagers in the United States and the frequency of their use, as well as the limited awareness among parents about this usage.
Common Sense Media has published a report indicating that 70% of US teenagers have utilized generative AI tools. The nonprofit organization collected survey data from US parents and high school students between March and May 2024. The findings reveal extensive adoption of AI text generators and chatbots such as ChatGPT and Gemini, with more than half of the students using these tools alongside AI-fueled search engines. Additionally, approximately 34% have employed image generators like DALL-E, while 22% have used video generators.
This survey suggests that US teenagers are adopting AI tools at a similar rate to their counterparts in the UK. The Office of Communications in the UK found late last year that four out of five teenagers engaged with generative AI tools. The current study shows an acceleration in AI tool adoption; a previous report by Common Sense Media in June recorded that only about half of the respondents had used generative AI by the end of 2023.
The primary reason for utilizing AI tools among teenagers is school-related tasks, particularly for brainstorming ideas as part of homework help. A significant number also use AI out of boredom, for translating content, and one in five for humorous interactions with friends.
The survey highlights significant challenges and confusion faced by educational institutions regarding AI use. Six out of ten teens reported either a lack of AI rules at their school or were unaware of existing policies. The data does not indicate a clear consensus on whether educators should endorse or restrict AI use. An almost equal number of teenagers reported using AI with and without their teacher’s consent. Furthermore, over 80% of parents noted that their child’s school had not communicated any guidelines regarding generative AI, with only 4% reporting a ban on such tools. Amanda Lenhart, head of research at Common Sense Media, described a “paralysis” among schools in dealing with AI.
Conversations between teachers and students about AI use appear to influence the perceptions and understanding of the technology among teenagers. Lenhart emphasized that students who received guidance from educators had a better comprehension of AI functionalities and were more diligent in verifying the accuracy of AI-generated content.
One significant finding was the lack of parental awareness regarding their children’s use of generative AI tools. Only 37% of parents with children using these technologies were aware of their usage. Additionally, nearly a quarter of the parents incorrectly assumed that their children were not using AI tools, and most had not discussed the topic with their children.
