AI Assistants Now Used by Four in Five Australian Children
A new report from Australia’s online safety regulator has revealed that nearly four in five children aged 10 to 17 have used an artificial intelligence (AI) assistant. The research, which surveyed over 1,950 children living in Australia, found that these tools are being increasingly relied upon for personal and emotional support, rather than just schoolwork.
The report, titled ‘Talking to Machines: Children’s Experiences with AI Assistants and Companions’, was conducted between February 2nd and March 4th, 2026. It highlights the growing trend of children using AI assistants as a means of seeking advice, reassurance, and conversations about personal issues.
According to the findings, around 78% of surveyed children had used an AI assistant, while 8% had used an AI companion designed specifically for emotional support. ChatGPT was found to be the most widely used service, with approximately 70% of surveyed children having utilized it at some point.
The usage of AI assistants varied by age group, with around 87% of teenagers aged 13-17 having used these tools compared to 64% of younger children (10-12 years old). This suggests that older children are more likely to be using AI assistants for a broader range of purposes beyond just schoolwork.
Most children who had used an AI assistant or companion reported doing so for functional reasons, such as accessing information, learning new skills, or translation. However, many also used these tools for entertainment and socialization, with around 68% reporting that they used them for leisure activities.
A significant proportion of surveyed children (54%) reported using AI assistants for personal and social reasons. Among these uses, a notable number asked AI for advice on physical health (33%), what to do in specific situations (33%), or their mental health and wellbeing (20%).
The report’s findings arrive at an important time as Australia’s regulatory framework for AI services affecting children has shifted from design to enforcement. Under the country’s online safety codes, certain generative AI, chatbot, and companion services must implement safeguards to prevent exposure to harmful material.
These safeguards cover both unlawful content and age-restricted material, including self-harm, disordered eating, and violence content. The age-restricted material codes came into effect on March 9th, 2026, and eSafety is now requiring providers to demonstrate compliance with these regulations.
Companies that fail to comply face significant penalties of up to $54.6 million in civil fines. In addition to this regulatory pressure, the report highlights concerns around children’s interactions with AI tools, including potentially inappropriate or harmful experiences.
One in five surveyed children who used an AI assistant or companion reported encountering a problematic interaction, such as controlling behavior, advice on self-harm, bullying, or exposure to hateful content. Furthermore, approximately one-third of these users shared personal or sensitive information with the AI tool, including photographs and secrets.
The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, emphasized that parents are navigating rapid changes in technology alongside other challenges associated with raising children today. She noted that AI is evolving quickly, and children are finding new ways to incorporate it into their daily lives.
Grant also pointed out that many parents recognize the benefits of using AI tools for homework or answering questions but highlighted concerns around safety by design. She called on technology providers to prioritize embedding strong safeguards into services, discouraging unnecessary sharing of sensitive information, reducing the risk of harmful interactions, and considering children’s developmental needs throughout their development.
Safety by Design has never been more important,