1、Me,myself and AI:Understanding and safeguarding childrens use of AI chatbotsJULY 20252 Me,myself&AI:Understanding and safeguarding childrens use of AI chatbotsContentsForeword 3Executive Summary 4Introduction 8Section 1:AI chatbots explained 11Section 2:Childrens use of AI chatbots 17Section 3:Child

2、rens use for schoolwork 23Section 4:Childrens use for advice 29Section 5:Childrens use for companionship 35Section 6:Age-appropriate experiences 39Section 7:The role of parents and schools 45 Section 8:Conclusion and recommendations 51Appendix 1 54References 55Me,myself&AI:Understanding and safeguar

3、ding childrens use of AI chatbots 3ForewordAmong the most visible and fast-growing applications of generative AI are chatbots.These tools are increasingly shaping how we all search for information,get advice and even seek companionship.Their integration into familiar platforms makes them both widely

4、 accessible and deeply influential,particularly for children.While AI chatbots bring important opportunities to support learning,creativity and self-expression,they also present risks.As with other emerging technologies,the long-term impacts of AI chatbots on childrens development and wellbeing rema

5、in unknown.Our research shows that children may encounter inaccurate information or inappropriate content,and experts warn that as AI chatbots become more human-like,they could blur the lines between real and artificial relationships.These risks are even more pronounced for children who are more vul

6、nerable,as they are more likely to use AI chatbots and more likely to use them for companionship than their non-vulnerable peers.These developments in generative AI come at a critical moment.The childrens safety duties within the Online Safety Act are due to come into force shortly in the UK,setting