Generation AI: What Kids and Families Think About AI

Key Findings

• — 67% of kids and teens report using AI at least sometimes versus 49% of parents
• — Parents misjudge how young people use AI: 23% of parents think companionship is a main use (8% of kids and teens report it) and 46% think image or video creation is (39% report it)
• — 71% of parents and 60% of kids and teens agree that by the time today's youth are adults people will be so dependent on AI they will not be able to function without it
• — Majorities of both groups are not confident that AI companies prioritise teen safety, and a majority of parents across parties want strong laws rather than voluntary guidelines
• — Large majorities of both groups back mandatory safety testing before AI tools are released to minors, labelling of AI-generated content, and accountability when products cause serious harm; 68% of kids and teens say schools should teach responsible AI use

Methodology Notes

Parent survey: online, 17 to 26 November 2025, 1,244 parents nationwide (base sample 843 plus oversamples of 100 Black, 100 Latino and 101 Asian American and Pacific Islander parents, weighted down). Kid and teen survey: online, 17 to 28 November 2025, 1,100 respondents aged 12 to 17 (base 800 plus oversamples, weighted down). Designed and administered by Lake Research Partners with Echelon Insights. Publication date is the research page date (March 9, 2026). The research page and the 42-page PDF were fetched directly (HTTP 200) and the credits, key findings and methodology pages read.

Sources