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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Karen McVeigh

Wednesday briefing: Why is AI becoming the go-to support for our children’s mental health?

One in four 13- to 17-year-olds in England and Wales has asked a chatbot’s advice about their mental health, according to the Youth Endowment Fund.
One in four 13- to 17-year-olds in England and Wales has asked a chatbot’s advice about their mental health. Illustration: Eleanor Shakespeare/The Guardian

Good morning. Today’s teenagers seeking mental health support are more likely to consult a chatbot than a professional website or a mental health app, according to a study published on Tuesday.

One in four aged 13 to 17 have turned to an AI chatbot regarding mental health problems, the study says. Worryingly, that number climbs to 40% for young people affected by serious violence, whether as a victim or perpetrator.

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