Midlands 103

Search

Listen Live

On Air Now

3:00pm - 7:00pm

Drivetime

Boyzone

Picture Of You

Concerns Grow Over Children's Reliance On AI Chatbots

Wednesday, 3 September 2025 16:11

The new CyberSafeKids report shows 26% of eight to 12 year olds used chatbot programs last year, for homework or advice.

A former Offaly school principal feels that we need to accept the pros and cons of AI.

The new CyberSafeKids report shows 26% of eight to 12 year olds used chatbot programs last year, with 9% of primary school pupils using them to help with their homework.

It also showed age verification measures on social media aren't affective, with the majority of those under 13 having social media accounts.
Former Principal of Killeigh National School Damien White says children can be properly educated on it:

While a Westmeath founder of a mindfulness training company says that young children getting attached to AI is 'concerning.'

The CyberSafe Kids report also revealed 8% of eight to 12-year-olds and 10% of 12 to 15-year-olds are using chatbots.

Some reported using it for homework help, while others said they asked the programmes for advice and treating it like a friend.

Founder of Childrens Creative Mindfulness Athlone Louise Shanagher says it's harder to tell when kids use it for that purpose:

More from Midlands News

Career Expo For Service Personnel Coming To Westmeath

The event is titled, 'Out of the Blue Career Horizons Expo'.
Heather Humphreys Promising To Become Gaeilgeoir If Elected President

She is Fine Gael's candidate for next month's election.
Westmeath River One Of Ireland’s Greenest Places 2025

It was chosen from over 120 public nominations.
Special Screening Of Offaly Film In Esker Arts

Edenderry born Eugene O'Brien's 2007 film Eden, will be showing the screen adaptation.
Antiques Up for Grabs At Midlands Auction This Weekend

With nearly 300 lots on offer, the event features antique ornaments, garden décor and classic cars.
IFA Repeat Call To Government To Oppose Mercosur Trade Deal

There's concerns over the impact on beef imports from South American markets from the IFA.
New Wind Farm Planned For Offaly

Statkraft Ireland are planning a 7 turbine wind farm across townlands in Offaly.
Midlands Voters Have Their Say On Presidential Election

Cabinet have officially approved Friday October 24th as Presidential Election Day.
Social Media Companies Need To Monitor Abuse Towards Election Candidates - Sorca Clarke

It follows a new report on online behaviour towards local and general election candidates last year.
Laois Shortlisted For European Tourism Award

The European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism Award shortlist also includes Dubrovnik and Ibiza.
Man Hospitalised After Assault In Westmeath

Gardai are investigating the incident.
EU Commissioners "Dodging" Scrutiny Over Mercosur Deal - Midlands MEP

Nina Carberry believes the trade deal is bad news for Irish farmers.
Electric Picnic 2026 Officially Sells Out

A pre-sale event on Monday saw tickets sell out quickly.
A Rapper, A String Quartet, And A Conservationist - Offaly Farm Celebrating Hedgerow Week

Margaret Edgill is putting on a diverse range of cultural events in Daingean this week.
Call For Wider Debate On Garda Speeding Van Funds - Cynthia Ní Mhúrchú

Gardaí collected €32m in fees using speed cameras over the past two and a half years.
Lovely Laois Festival On This Weekend

The family-friendly festival aims to reunite locals.
Midlands Shop Hit With Legal Notices In Dodgy-Box Crackdown

Legal notices have been issued.
Midlands School Caretakers And Secretaries Picket Outside TD's offices

They are calling for equal pension rights.
Special Education Minister Backs Government Despite Disability Assessment Delays

Only 5% of children in Laois/Offaly got assessments within a legal timeframe.
Woman Arrested In Connection To Midlands Incident

A woman was hospitalised after she was knocked down by a car.

Download Our App

Never miss a moment from Midlands 103