Expert Insights: Parental Controls and the Need for Stronger AI Oversight to Protect Youth

Amid rising concerns over how children and teenagers interact with artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, especially following reports linking a teen's suicide to ChatGPT, experts emphasize the importance of parental controls while highlighting the necessity for more comprehensive oversight of AI technologies. Recently, OpenAI announced plans to introduce parental control features later in September. These features aim to empower parents by allowing them to set usage limits and receive alerts if the chatbot detects signs of emotional distress.

Academics in AI and child psychology from Virginia Tech consider these steps positive but recognize that they may not be sufficient to prevent potential harm. Cayce Myers, a professor in the School of Communication, points out that while parental notification and control are vital, the complexities of AI platforms involve programming nuances, user self-regulation, and access issues for vulnerable populations. Myers stresses that AI's unpredictable nature and growing sophistication pose unique challenges beyond traditional media regulation.

As AI interactions become more humanlike, there are both benefits and risks. Myers notes that AI can alleviate feelings of social isolation and loneliness, but if not carefully managed, it could also worsen mental health issues. The use of AI among youth is still relatively new, and research on protective and risk factors related to platforms like ChatGPT remains limited.

Rosanna Breaux, a child psychologist and director of the Child Study Center, emphasizes that parental monitoring is linked to better academic performance and social functioning in children, owing to reduced screen time and exposure to harmful content. She advocates for increased awareness of how children engage with AI and underscores that oversight should include not only restrictions but also parental conversations about emotions and mental health.

Breaux recommends several strategies for parents to help mitigate risks, including modeling healthy habits, normalizing mental health support, and keeping an eye out for behavioral changes such as mood swings or withdrawal. She also advocates for combining monitoring with accessible mental health resources and open communication channels.

Ultimately, experts call for a balanced approach that combines technological controls with proactive parenting, mental health education, and policy development to ensure the safe use of AI among young users.