NSPCC is helping parents talk to children about AI chatbot risks

Technology is developing at a rapid rate; whether it’s an app on your phone to ‘fix’ a photo, or something you’re encouraged to use at work to help write an email, AI is more accessible than ever. But while they might be useful when used responsibly, there is a worry that AI, specifically AI chatbots, are shaping young people’s digital experiences. This has reached a point where some children feel they’re developing ‘friendships’ with AI characters, which could have potentially dangerous impact on healthy social development.

The NSPCC is concerned when we look at new and emerging technology, like generative AI, about the impact it will have on children’s safety. Between April 2024 and March 2025, Childline recorded almost 200 counselling sessions with mentions of AI related phrases.

Generative AI is being used to generate sexual abuse images of children, enable perpetrators to sexually extort and groom children, or sexually harass and bully children. Chatbots have also created other forms of harmful content, encouraging eating disorders, sharing images glamourising self-harm, or misinforming or misrepresenting information to make it harder to tell what is ‘real’. It’s hugely important for parents, carers and professionals, like teachers, to understand not only the dangers of AI, but also how children and young people use it. Regular conversations can help. If a young person feels comfortable sharing their online experience with you when there isn’t a problem, they will be more inclined to seek support when there is one.

Recently, the NSPCC supported Vodafone’s Safer Internet Day campaign, which included a discussion about the benefits and dangers of AI and chatbots. The NSPCC and Vodafone have created a suite of resources to encourage families to have conversations around AI chatbot use, help build children’s media literacy and promote healthy digital wellbeing. Among the tips for parents is to start with curiosity, not concern. Ask which AI tools they use and what they find helpful or interesting about them while also sharing ones you use too – this helps you understand each others’ experiences. Talk about where AI is used, risks and benefits, remind them that chatbots can’t replace human connection with friends, family or trusted adults, and that while they can be helpful for quick answers, chatbots can make mistakes, so it’s a good idea to verify information from trusted sources, especially for school or health-related questions. And that not everything AI shows might be real – videos, text and images might look genuine but common indicators like overly ‘perfect’ appearances or unusual body parts suggest they’re not.

As with all online safety conversations, it’s vital to discuss how important it is for children to keep personal information private and not share anything that they wouldn’t with a stranger. Analyse AI-generated content together. Ask questions like: “Does this seem accurate?” and “How could we verify this?”. Ensure they know they can talk to you or another trusted adult. They can contact Childline 24/7 on 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk for confidential support.