AI Is Changing Teens’ Lives. Why Are They Being Left Out of the Debate?

A majority of teens in the United States are regularly using artificial intelligence chatbots such as ChatGPT, Copilot and Character.ai, with most using it for homework and 12% for advice or emotional support, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey. While the latter might seem like a small percentage, projected out it would represent roughly 3 million US teenagers who use AI chatbots not just for school but as their emotional confidants.

AI companies are already facing lawsuits from parents who allege their teens died by suicide after forming emotional attachments to chatbots. In response, as of February 16, dozens of chatbot-related bills have been introduced across at least 27 states, with many focused on protecting children.

Policymakers are rightfully alarmed about their growing popularity among teens. But in nearly every high-level conversation we have witnessed, across intergovernmental agencies, universities and advocacy groups, the most affected voices remain underrepresented: young people themselves.

AI policy for youth will fail unless youth help design it.