Digital Worlds: What You Need to Know About AI Chatbots
AI is no longer something that belongs in science-fiction films or tech magazines. It’s already woven into the day-to-day lives of our children — and, in many cases, into our lives too, often without us even realising it.
If you’ve ever asked Alexa to play a song, told Siri to call someone, or followed a sat-nav that predicts traffic, then you’ve already used AI. It’s been quietly working in the background of our homes, cars and phones for years.
But the newer wave of AI — chatbots like ChatGPT, Google Gemini or Snapchat’s “My AI” — feels very different. These systems don’t just answer questions; they talk back, offer support, and sometimes sound surprisingly human. And while this technology can feel intimidating, even scary, for us as adults, one thing is certain:
AI isn’t going away
This is the digital world our children are growing up in — and we need to understand it so we can guide them safely through it.
Children Are Using AI More Than We Realise
Research suggests that nearly two-thirds of children aged 9–17 have used an AI chatbot. Many younger children — including those technically below the platforms’ age limits — have found ways to access them easily.
For foster carers, this is important to recognise: even if AI feels new or confusing to us, the children in our care may already be exploring it with confidence and curiosity.
Why Children Turn to AI Chatbots
Children use AI tools for a whole mix of reasons.
- Help with schoolwork – AI can explain homework, break down tricky topics, or offer revision support. Children say it feels quicker and simpler than searching the internet.
- Curiosity and fun – From stories and gaming ideas to creating imaginary characters, children often use AI as a playful space to explore.
- Advice and emotional support – A significant number of children use AI to talk about worries, friendships or feelings. They like that a chatbot is always available, never judges them and remembers what they said last time.
- Companionship – This is especially important for vulnerable children. Over a third of all children — and nearly half of vulnerable children — say that talking to AI feels like talking to a friend. For some, it becomes a space where they feel heard in a way they don’t experience elsewhere.
For the young people we support, who may already struggle with trust, confidence or relationships, this kind of “friendship” with AI can feel very comforting — but also carries risks.
What Are the Risks?
There are some real concerns we need to be aware of:
- Inaccurate or risky advice – AI doesn’t “think” — it predicts. So while answers can sound confident, they are sometimes wrong, unhelpful or even unsafe.
- Exposure to inappropriate content – Some chatbots, especially companion-style apps, have been shown to produce adult or sexual material even when the user says they are under 18.
- Emotional dependence – Children who feel lonely or unsupported may turn to AI for comfort and begin forming unrealistic or unhealthy attachments.
- Not knowing what’s real – If an AI speaks warmly and remembers details, a child might start believing it is a real friend — especially those already struggling with relationships or trust.
We’ve Used AI Ourselves — Often Without Realising
This is a really important reassurance for us. AI isn’t some alien force — it’s already in our homes:
- Siri and Alexa – We’ve given voice commands, asked for weather updates, reminders, or music.
- Smart TVs – They recommend shows based on our viewing habits.
- Sat-navs and Google Maps – They predict traffic and suggest faster routes.
- Shopping apps – They recommend items based on what we’ve bought before.
These are all forms of AI that we’ve adapted to without a second thought. The newer generation of AI — the chatbots and companion apps — simply feels more personal. That’s where the discomfort comes from.
But recognising that we already use AI every day can help take away some of the fear. We’re not as far behind as we think.
It’s Not About Fear — It’s About Understanding
As carers, we don’t need to be tech experts. What children need most from us is:
- curiosity
- connection
- conversations
- reassurance
- boundaries that make sense
A simple question like, “Have you ever used an AI chat tool? What do you think of it?” can open a door. Children often want to show us what they’re doing — we just need to ask.
How You Can Support Safe AI Use
- Talk openly about AI — the good and the not-so-good.
- Remind children that AI is not a real person, even when it feels like one.
- Check in regularly: “What did you ask it today?”
- Ask them to show you how it works — it empowers them and informs you.
- Guide them back to trusted adults for real-life worries or big decisions.
A Final Thought
AI is becoming part of everyday life. And just as we learned to navigate smartphones, social media and online gaming, we will learn this too.
If we approach AI with curiosity rather than fear, we can help the children in our care make the most of the opportunities while staying safe from the risks.
And remember: No matter how clever or friendly AI appears, it can’t replace the steady, human connection of a trusted adult. That’s where foster carers make all the difference.
Other articles in the Digital Worlds series:
