Supreet Mann

 Common Sense Media has embarked on an inaugural study of AI use among America’s tweens and teens. This is the first in a series of studies tracking young people’s experiences with AI over time. In subsequent years, we will engage new cohorts of tweens and teens to understand how their experiences with AI change or remain the same over time. This report considers the knowledge and experience that kids age 9 to 17 have with AI, including how frequently they use it, what they use it for, and what questions and advice they are searching for.

The rapid rise of AI companions has created new digital social environments. While some of these platforms claim to be designed for users age 18 and older, they rely on ineffective self-reporting for age assurance, which allows easy access for younger users. Other platforms, such as Character.AI, are explicitly marketed to children as young as 13.