Two new surveys show that nearly two-thirds of US tweens and teens use AI chatbots, according to NPR. Most kids use them for help with school, but many also use them for company and emotional support, NPR reports.

One survey, from the online safety group Common Sense Media, found that chatbot use starts early, NPR reports. Nearly half of kids aged 9 to 12 have used a chatbot or AI companion. By age 13, nearly three in four have used one, the survey found. Most popular chatbots set 13 as the minimum age.

The other survey, from the mental health group JED Foundation, asked 5,500 students aged 9 to 17, NPR reports. It found 90% had used a chatbot. Nearly two-thirds used one for school and also when they felt stressed, lonely or anxious, the outlet reports.

Students who used AI when they were upset were more likely to report poor mental health, JED's Kayla Anderson said, NPR reports. But she said the data do not show that AI causes it. "It's unclear, based on these data, whether AI use is contributing to poor mental health and well-being, or whether students who are already in distress in certain ways are more likely to turn to AI," she said.

Anne Maheux, a psychologist at the University of North Carolina who was not part of the surveys, said the link may go each way, NPR reports. In a study of middle school students, her team found that kids who used chatbots for company grew lonelier over time, the outlet reports.

What we know: Most US teens and many tweens now use AI chatbots, often for support as well as school.
What we don't: Whether chatbot use harms kids' mental health. Only NPR has reported this so far. NewsHabit hasn't seen independent confirmation.