French study reveals how teenagers are using Gen AI

A YouGov study commissioned by the think tank Interface finds that parents significantly underestimate how often children use generative artificial intelligence (AI), according to Interface senior policy researcher Jessica Galissaire.

Surveying 970 French children aged 11 to 17 and 1,138 parents, the study found that 40% of 11-12-year-olds use general-purpose generative AI weekly, whereas parents estimated adoption at only 26%. Of this age group, 23% regularly use AI integrated into social media, and 16% use AI companions despite service terms restricting users under 13. The study also found that 14% of young users turn to AI tools to confide personal thoughts.

While 89% of teenagers identified practical benefits, such as finding information, saving time, and completing schoolwork, 44% of parents whose children use generative AI reported discomfort. Parental concerns predominantly centre on independent critical thinking, content accuracy, and data protection.

The findings come as the European Commission's proposed EU KIDS Act comes under scrutiny, with questions remaining over whether regulatory measures adequately address youth engagement with AI chatbots alongside traditional social media platforms.

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