A recent study indicates that parents are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to assist with their parenting decisions. According to the report, conducted by OnePoll for 72Point, around three in ten parents of children under 18 who utilize AI tools have sought advice for their children. Furthermore, 33 percent of these parents have considered using AI for this purpose.
The most prevalent use of AI among parents is for homework assistance or school projects, with 45 percent reporting they rely on AI for this reason. Additionally, 39 percent turn to AI to find age-appropriate entertainment or books for their children. Notably, 40 percent of parents indicated that they would consult AI resources like Copilot or ChatGPT when addressing more challenging topics such as bullying, grief, or relationships.
Understanding Complex Topics with AI
The survey, which included responses from 5,000 adults, revealed that 39 percent of participating parents found AI helpful in explaining intricate subjects, including climate change and puberty. Harry Gove, a spokesperson for OnePoll, emphasized the rapid access to answers that AI can provide, stating, “AI can be a real help to very quickly find answers to questions or solutions to problems – and for parents who are often subject to lots of questions and problems, this can be a really easy quick fix.”
Despite its advantages, Gove cautioned that reliance on AI should be limited to background research. He urged parents to seek professional guidance when necessary and to connect with friends and family for support.
Interestingly, only 37 percent of parents who use AI have not contemplated its role in assisting their parenting decisions. Many have discovered its benefits in organizing family life, with 38 percent creating routines for bedtimes and study sessions and 35 percent utilizing it for meal planning and nutrition. Furthermore, parents have expressed a desire for reassurance in understanding their children’s behaviors and overall development.
AI’s Role in Child Development and Wellbeing
The survey also highlighted that 34 percent of parents rely on AI to track developmental milestones, while 33 percent use it to manage behavioral changes. Moreover, 29 percent of parents consult AI tools to support their child’s mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Despite this growing acceptance of technology in family life, the report noted that 27 percent of parents believe more needs to be done in educational settings to integrate AI effectively. Additionally, only 29 percent of children were found to be curious and engaged with AI tools. The study revealed that 15 percent of parents indicated their children do not use these resources at all, while 13 percent admitted their children use AI but do not actively ask questions.
Gove reiterated the need for a balanced approach, stating, “The world is changing, but there is still work to be done, both in terms of acceptance of AI and its capabilities, and then also in terms of the support AI can actually offer.”
The report concludes with a comprehensive list of ways modern parents are leveraging AI, which includes:
1. Assisting with homework or school projects
2. Discussing difficult topics (e.g., bullying, grief, relationships)
3. Finding age-appropriate entertainment or books
4. Explaining complex topics (e.g., AI, climate change, puberty)
5. Creating routines (e.g., bedtime, study schedules)
6. Managing screen time and digital habits
7. Planning meals and nutrition for children
8. Navigating online safety and social media use
9. Understanding developmental milestones
10. Managing behavioral challenges
11. Choosing extracurricular activities or hobbies
12. Deciding on education paths or school choices
13. Supporting children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing
As AI continues to evolve, its integration into parenting practices reflects a significant shift in how families approach challenges and opportunities in child-rearing.
