As artificial intelligence reshapes everything from how we work to how we unwind, it’s also transforming childhood silently in the background. From personalized homework helpers to emotionally intelligent robots, AI is becoming more common in young people’s lives with all the promise and complexity it entails.

The Upside: Education, Empowerment, and Curiosity

For many families, AI is becoming an unlikely tutor and creative partner. Recent reports show that over half of children using generative AI are applying it directly to schoolwork, customizing lessons, building study tools, and renovating how they learn. 

Parents often see AI as a net positive: 87 percent of those who use generative AI believe it has a positive impact on their children. Teens themselves are exploring AI with creativity and critical thinking, using ChatGPTto turn notes into interactive quizzes, troubleshoot projects, and even invent wildlife safety tools in class.

However, AI’s influence goes beyond the classroom. At the Carolina AI Conference held August 23, 2025, youth aged 12 to 17 participated in a dedicated track for future innovators. “Young people will benefit the most from AI provided they have access to the right tools,” said Dr. Ruiwen Zhang, Director at the Research Triangle AI Society and Coordinator of the Carolina AI Conference’s Youth Track programming. From interactive coding to AI companions used in healthcare, these tools are becoming increasingly accessible and intuitive for youthusers.

The Risks: Digital Dependence and Ethical Challenges

But this emerging tech isn’t without risk. Experts point to concerns around algorithmic bias, privacy, and overreliance on AI for social or emotional needs. A recent study by Common Sense Media found that 70% of teens have used AI companions, with many forming emotional attachments to digital personas, raising red flags about identity formation, social skills, and screen-time boundaries.

AI’s shaping influence on values, worldview, and behavior is also under scrutiny. Without age-appropriate guardrails, children may adopt biased or inaccurate assumptions embedded in data-driven systems.

The Bottom Line

AI is here and it’s influencing the next generation in profound ways. For parents, educators, and policymakers, the challenge is not whether to embrace AI, but how. Prioritizing digital literacy, ethical design, and transparent engagement will be key to ensuring youth flourish in this new era of intelligent tools.