Results from a recent Common Sense Media survey of children aged 12 to 17 and parents found that families are trying to balance the benefits and threats around artificial intelligence (AI), while young people are already using the technology more than their parents realize.
The research found that both groups believe AI will transform work, school and day-to-day life in a major way. Nearly two in three parents reported believing that AI will change the world as dramatically as the internet and electricity. In general, children are more optimistic than parents about the short- and long-term impacts of AI, with over half of kids and under half of parents believing the technology will benefit society.
“AI is the most powerful technology of our time,” Common Sense Media Founder and CEO James P. Steyer said in a statement. “Families rightfully see AI as a powerful force that will reshape life as we know it, but they’re split regarding its promise versus its peril. Kids are using AI more than their parents realize, especially for school, but parents have real concerns about responsible use and long-term impact. One thing is true across the board, though: Both parents and kids want, need, and deserve strong guardrails, clear safety standards, and privacy protections.”
Researchers noted how families’ attitudes toward AI are nuanced — while they embrace AI’s potential, parents and students surveyed both expressed concerns about over-reliance on the technology. About 70 percent of parents and 60 percent of young people agreed that by the time today’s teens are adults, people will be so dependent on AI they won’t be able to function without it.
Other key findings show that:
- More than half of parents are worried that AI will make it harder for their children to find jobs
- More than two-thirds of children and teens use AI regularly, compared to under half of parents
- Nearly 60 percent of young people are more likely to see AI as a learning opportunity, but 62 percent of them, as well as 70 percent of parents surveyed, worry about AI’s effect on creativity
- Most of the students surveyed believe using AI in school assignments is innovative and should be encouraged, while most parents think using AI in school assignments is unacceptable and should have consequences
- Data privacy was emphasized among both groups, with 84 percent of parents and 76 percent of children reporting concern about AI misusing student data
- Both groups across party lines also said they would support legislative safeguards on and government oversight of AI
