What Happened
The eSafety Commissioner released survey data this week showing 54 per cent of Australian children and teens are using AI tools for personal and social reasons. The survey, conducted in February and March 2026, covered 1,950 Australians aged between 10 and 17, recruited online through their parents.
Of those surveyed, 78 per cent had used an AI assistant, such as ChatGPT, Gemini or Claude. Around 20 per cent of this group used AI tools at least daily. AI assistants are primarily used as a practical tool to help with tasks such as writing, editing and sourcing information, but more intimate uses are common too.
Of the 54 per cent who reported using AI for social and personal reasons, 33 per cent asked AI for advice about physical health, 33 per cent asked for advice about what to do in a particular situation, and 20 per cent asked AI for advice about their mental health and wellbeing. The survey also found that teens are experimenting with role play and flirting through AI tools. Around 10 per cent of teens, described as a meaningful minority, used AI companions.
Why It Matters
The eSafety Commissioner's data documents a pattern of children and teens turning to AI tools for guidance on health and personal decisions, areas that have traditionally involved parents, teachers or health professionals. Twenty per cent of children and teens in the survey reported potentially harmful or inappropriate interactions with AI tools, according to the eSafety Commissioner's findings.
The survey results indicate that personal and social use of AI by young Australians is not a fringe behaviour. It is occurring alongside the more commonly discussed academic and task-based uses.
Key Details
The eSafety Commissioner is the Australian government's independent regulator for online safety. The survey sample of 1,950 young Australians aged 10 to 17 was recruited online through their parents in February and March 2026.
The breakdown of personal and social AI use among the 54 per cent who reported it:
- 33 per cent sought advice about physical health
- 33 per cent sought advice about what to do in a particular situation
- 20 per cent sought advice about mental health and wellbeing
- Some teens reported using AI for role play and flirting
Around 10 per cent of teens used AI companions, a category distinct from general-purpose AI assistants.
Background and Context
The eSafety Commissioner has previously published research on children's experiences with online platforms, including social media and gaming. This survey extends that work into AI tools specifically. The findings align with broader international research showing that young people are adopting AI assistants for a wide range of purposes beyond schoolwork.
The survey's focus on personal and social use reflects growing attention from regulators and researchers to the ways AI tools are being integrated into the daily lives of children, not just their education.
What Comes Next
The eSafety Commissioner has not announced specific regulatory action in response to this survey data. The findings are expected to inform ongoing policy discussions about age-appropriate AI design and the responsibilities of AI developers operating in Australia. The data was published as part of the Commissioner's broader research programme on emerging technologies and young people.