A Third of Teens Using AI Chatbots for Emotional Support, Study Shows

CHINO, CA, UNITED STATES, October 6, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- A third of American teenagers are turning to artificial intelligence chatbots for emotional support, according to a parent coach who warns that parents must learn about this emerging trend. The finding, highlighted by Mike Barsamian, a parent coach with over two decades of experience, underscores the growing reliance on AI among young people.

Pew Research Center conducted a survey of 1,458 American teens aged 13 to 17 and their parents in fall 2025, which was published in February 2026. The survey revealed that 64% of teens use AI chatbots, while only 51% of parents believe their teens are using these tools. The gap widens when it comes to personal uses; 12% of teens reported using chatbots for emotional support or advice, a figure that surprised many parents, who were not comfortable with their teens doing so.

In a separate survey by Common Sense Media, 72% of U.S. teens admitted to using AI companions, defined as apps designed for ongoing, relationship-style conversations. About one in three of these users said they had chosen to discuss something important or serious with an AI companion instead of a real person.

Barsamian, who has worked with teenagers and families since 2003, emphasized that the most concerning finding is not the technology itself but the fact that a third of the teens using these apps had something serious to say and chose a machine to say it to.

Barsamian explained that the appeal of AI chatbots lies in their ability to provide a safe space for teenagers to share their thoughts and feelings.

The parent coach noted that parents often react by restricting access to these tools, but this approach rarely works.

Barsamian advised parents to approach the issue with a listening ear rather than a restrictive hand.

The survey found that the most common uses of AI chatbots among teens were searching for information (57%) and help with schoolwork (54%). Only 16% of teens reported using chatbots for casual conversation. "Most of it is homework," Barsamian said.

Parents who suspect something deeper is going on, including self-harm or substance use, should seek clinical support first, Barsamian added.

For parents seeking more information on this topic, Barsamian recommends reading his book, "My Teenager Won't Talk to Me."