Survey Reveals AI Chatbot Use Among UK Teens for Mental Health Support

According to a recent survey by the Youth Fund (YEF), one in four teenagers in the UK has turned to an AI chatbot for mental health assistance in the past year.

The London-based YEF conducted this study with 11,000 children aged 13 to 16 across England and Wales. The results showed that over half of the participants had sought some form of mental health support recently, with a quarter specifically opting for AI chatbots.

Interestingly, both victims and offenders of violence reported a higher likelihood of using AI for mental health purposes compared to their peers. YEF pointed out that AI chatbots might attract struggling youths who find it more comfortable and safe to communicate anonymously with a bot at any time rather than confiding in a professional.

This has led youth leaders to express concerns, urging that at-risk children “need humans, not bots.” Joking aside, they are serious; many young individuals face mental health challenges and often lack adequate support. YEF CEO John Yates emphasized the need for improvement in assistance for vulnerable children, stressing that they need human interaction, not just automated responses.

The discussion is particularly relevant given the long waiting lists for mental health services, as noted by sources. For instance, an 18-year-old, referred to as “Shan,” shared her experience using Snapchat’s AI before switching to ChatGPT after a traumatic personal event. She mentioned that the convenience of talking to an AI “anytime with just two clicks” feels comforting to her.

“It feels like a friend,” she said, recognizing that the bot is “less intimidating, more private, and less judgmental” than traditional mental health resources like those from the NHS or charities. She reflected on the friendly tone of interaction, where she might say, “Hey, best friend, let’s chat,” and the AI would respond likewise.

Additionally, “Shan” highlighted that unlike school therapists, the AI doesn’t share information with teachers or parents, which she viewed as a significant advantage based on her experiences with confidentiality.

Another teen user, choosing to remain anonymous, noted the frustration with the current support system’s inefficiencies. They pointed out that while waiting for help for extended periods, the instant responses from chatbots offer a much-needed solution, revealing a clear demand for AI in mental health support.