In homes across the globe, a new companion is emerging in children’s lives, not a person, but a form of technology. A recent BBC report highlights that a significant number of young people increasingly interact with artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots and digital assistants in ways that feel personal and meaningful to them. For some, these tools are more than just games or sources of information; they are a source of comfort, curiosity and even companionship.
As parents, grandparents and guardians, it’s natural to feel a mix of fascination and concern as our children navigate this evolving landscape. Children today are digital natives, growing up in a world where technology is woven into everyday life, and AI can offer genuine benefits. From helping with homework to sparking creativity and answering questions at odd hours, these tools can support learning and exploration in ways that were unimaginable just a decade ago. Yet there is a deeper lesson here about connection and belonging.
Many young people describe their interactions with AI in surprisingly human terms. When a child considers a digital assistant a ‘friend,’ it speaks not just to the sophistication of the technology, but to their emotional needs, a need for understanding, validation and a space to ask difficult or awkward questions without fear of judgement. For families, this is a reminder that emotional connection doesn’t always look the same from one generation to the next. It encourages caregivers to listen more closely and engage with empathy, even when the language and tools our children use are unfamiliar.
This doesn’t mean leaving children to navigate digital life alone. Open conversations about online behaviour, emotional wellbeing and healthy boundaries are as important as ever. Rather than simply restricting access, many experts suggest families flourish when they learn alongside one another, exploring how technology can be a positive tool, while also understanding its limitations.
Ultimately, the rise of AI in young lives highlights a universal truth: children don’t just want answers, they want to be heard, understood and supported. If we meet them there, technology becomes not a substitute for connection but a catalyst for deeper family dialogue and shared growth.
Source: BBC News report on children and AI usage
