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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:

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