While technology has a role to play in education and information sharing, mental health support must be rooted in real human connection, evidence-based insight and genuine understanding of a child’s emotional world. At The Wellbeing Hub - a multi-award-winning, proactive online platform delivering trusted wellbeing resources, training, courses, and support to students, parents and school staff - we know just how crucial it is to help young people access safe, appropriate help that truly meets their needs.
A recent piece of research conducted by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy has found that children are increasingly turning to AI chatbots like ChatGPT for mental health advice.
We all know that accessing in-person support is challenging, but it is essential to make children and young people aware of the limitations and pitfalls associated with AI chatbots.
The BACP Mindometer survey found that 28% of the BACP therapists interviewed who work with under-18s have clients who are using AI platforms, and one in five reported children receiving harmful advice.
Amanda MacDonald, a therapist who provides support for children, teens and adults, said:
“AI therapy bots tend to adopt one of two approaches: offering validation or providing solutions. Both lack the nuance of real therapy and risk giving advice that contradicts best practices for emotional distress. For example, some AI tools have advised individuals with OCD to continue their compulsions, mistaking short-term relief for progress. Others have encouraged avoidance of anxiety triggers, which may feel helpful initially but can worsen anxiety over time by reinforcing avoidance behaviours.”
AI tools cannot truly understand feelings, respond in real time during a crisis, or offer the care of a qualified, safeguarding professional. Data shared with chatbots isn’t protected in the same way it is in therapy, and children may not be able to distinguish between safe and unsafe information. While chatbots seem accessible and non-judgmental, they lack the human connection and judgment children need when they’re struggling.
As adults, we need to remind young people that AI chatbots are not real people and that while they might seem supportive, their advice isn’t always safe or correct.
For more information on the BACP research please follow this link
If this trend continues unchecked, we risk normalising a generation of young people relying on technology for something it was never designed to offer - true emotional care.
That’s why The Wellbeing Hub exists - to equip families and schools with practical tools, expert led resources and community support so that children can be heard, understood and guided in ways that foster resilience, connection and wellbeing.
AI can be part of how we talk about mental health, but it should never replace real conversations, real care, and the real support networks that help young people thrive.
Let’s ensure every child has access to the right support at the right time - from people who genuinely understand them.
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