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<h1>Teen AI Use Skyrockets: Doctors Warn of 'Disturbing' Trend, But Urge Calm Conversation</h1>
<p><b>MONTREAL, QC –</b> A new wave of artificial intelligence adoption is sweeping through teenage life, with over half of adolescents regularly using conversational AI tools like ChatGPT primarily for homework assistance, according to a recent study by the Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center (CHU). But the use isn’t limited to academics; a concerning one in ten are seeking personal advice from these digital companions, raising alarms among medical professionals and sparking a call for open communication between parents and their teens. This is breaking news for parents navigating the digital age, and a crucial moment for understanding the evolving relationship between youth and AI.</p>
<h2>AI as a Confidant: A Growing Concern</h2>
<p>Dr. Olivier Jamoulle, pediatrician and head of medical service at CHU Sainte-Justine, describes a “disturbing” trend: young people reporting that ChatGPT offers better advice than their real-life support networks. “I have already seen young people who say: ‘ChatGPT gives better advice than people close to me,’” he revealed. This reliance, particularly among adolescents already struggling with anxiety or autism spectrum disorders, highlights the potential for AI to fill a void, but also to potentially exacerbate existing vulnerabilities. The concern isn’t the technology itself, but the potential for isolation and the acceptance of algorithmic responses as superior to human connection.</p>
<h2>Beyond Homework: The Appeal of an Unbiased Ear</h2>
<p>While AI’s role in education is undeniable – and often helpful – its appeal extends far beyond simply completing assignments. For teens grappling with social anxieties or feeling misunderstood, an AI chatbot offers a non-judgmental space to explore their feelings. Dr. Eva-Flore Bui-Xuan, head of the Children's Psychiatry Department and Adolescents at the Montreal Children's Hospital, explains that these interactions can even serve as a form of “exposure therapy” for those with social phobias, providing a safe environment to practice communication skills. However, she stresses that these digital interactions should *never* replace genuine human relationships.</p>
<h2>Don't Ban, Engage: A Parent's Guide to Navigating AI</h2>
<p>Experts are overwhelmingly advising against outright prohibition. “If we prohibit the use of AI, it will not work: they will go the same!” emphasizes Dr. Jamoulle. Instead, the focus should be on fostering open dialogue. Simon Duguay, a computer science teacher who conducts AI workshops for parents, suggests initiating conversations with questions like, “I saw this interesting trick done by AI. Have you seen it?” or “Are they talking about artificial intelligence at your school?” The goal is to create a safe space for teens to share their experiences and concerns without fear of judgment.</p>
<p>Dr. Jamoulle recommends directly asking teens if they turn to AI for personal advice when they feel they have nowhere else to go. If they do, parents should proactively explore alternative support systems – a trusted friend, school counselor, family member, or mental health professional.</p>
<h2>Understanding the 'Black Box': Digital Literacy is Key</h2>
<p>Beyond simply talking about AI, it’s crucial for teens (and parents) to understand *how* it works. The free “IA & You” program from Printemps digital offers a comprehensive curriculum for high school students, covering everything from the basics of AI to recognizing biases and protecting personal information. The program emphasizes responsible AI usage, including proper source citation and transparency about when AI has been utilized. This isn’t just about preventing misuse; it’s about empowering the next generation to be critical thinkers in an increasingly AI-driven world.</p>
<p>The program’s upcoming fall challenge, which tasks participants with creating a digital avatar of a historical Quebec figure, is a creative way to engage with AI tools while reinforcing ethical considerations.</p>
<p>The rise of AI companions for teenagers isn’t a problem to be solved, but a reality to be understood and navigated. By fostering open communication, promoting digital literacy, and offering alternative support systems, parents can help their teens harness the power of AI while safeguarding their well-being. Stay tuned to archyde.com for ongoing coverage of this evolving story and expert insights into the future of AI and its impact on our lives.</p>
