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JED Foundation Survey Reveals Majority of U.S. Children Turn to AI for Emotional Support, Raising Mental Health Concerns

JED Foundation Survey Reveals Majority of U.S. Children Turn to AI for Emotional Support, Raising Mental Health Concerns

A recent survey by the JED Foundation indicates that 57% of U.S. children aged 9 to 17 are using AI chatbots for emotional support during times of sadness, stress, loneliness, or feeling overwhelmed. This usage nearly matches the 58% who use AI for schoolwork. The survey also found that 90% of children have used an AI chatbot, with 12% seeking AI for companionship or friendship. Alarmingly, reports of past suicidal thoughts and attempts were more common among young people who turned to AI during emotional distress, and this use was associated with poorer reported mental health and well-being. For instance, a 15-year-old in Texas, Arjun Sharda, recounted asking ChatGPT for reassurance about chemistry test outcomes. Developmental psychologist Anne Maheux suggests that while children with mental health challenges may seek AI, its use could exacerbate rather than alleviate these issues. The JED Foundation is currently investigating the specific correlations between AI use and young people's well-being.

U.S. Teens Report Negative Mental Health Impact from Social Media Use

U.S. Teens Report Negative Mental Health Impact from Social Media Use

A recent U.S. study indicates that nearly half of teenagers aged 13-17 believe social media has a 'mostly negative' effect on their age group. Research over the past decade supports a link between excessive social media use and a rise in reported mental health diagnoses among teens. Specifically, adolescents who spend over three hours daily on social media are twice as likely to report negative mental health outcomes, including symptoms of anxiety and depression. Girls are more likely than boys to report that social media harms their mental health (25% vs. 14%) and confidence (20% vs. 10%). The negative impacts can stem from constant comparison to others, leading to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, poor sleep quality, cyberbullying distress, unhealthy body image, and eating disorders. The American Psychological Association (APA) advises parents to take a proactive approach, recommending adult monitoring for early adolescents (10-14 years) while balancing it with privacy needs as children age and de...

Parents Discuss Challenges and Benefits of Limiting Toddler Screen Time

Parents Discuss Challenges and Benefits of Limiting Toddler Screen Time

Parents Discuss Challenges and Benefits of Limiting Toddler Screen Time

Successful Black Parenting Magazine Offers Strategies for Healthy Screen Time Balance in Children

Successful Black Parenting Magazine Offers Strategies for Healthy Screen Time Balance in Children

Successful Black Parenting Magazine Offers Strategies for Healthy Screen Time Balance in Children

American Academy of Pediatrics Updates Screen Time Guidance, Emphasizing Media Plans Over Strict Limits

American Academy of Pediatrics Updates Screen Time Guidance, Emphasizing Media Plans Over Strict Limits

American Academy of Pediatrics Updates Screen Time Guidance, Emphasizing Media Plans Over Strict Limits

Philstar Article Advocates for Real-World Play to Counter Digital Device Dominance in Children's Lives

Philstar Article Advocates for Real-World Play to Counter Digital Device Dominance in Children's Lives

Philstar Article Advocates for Real-World Play to Counter Digital Device Dominance in Children's Lives

Snowflake Expands Free AI Data Cloud Training Globally to Address Skills Gap

Snowflake Expands Free AI Data Cloud Training Globally to Address Skills Gap

Snowflake Expands Free AI Data Cloud Training Globally to Address Skills Gap

Social Media Platforms' Business Model Raises Questions on User Status: Customer or Product?

Social Media Platforms' Business Model Raises Questions on User Status: Customer or Product?

Social Media Platforms' Business Model Raises Questions on User Status: Customer or Product?

Tech Giants Sue California Over Social Media Addiction Law Targeting Minors

Tech Giants Sue California Over Social Media Addiction Law Targeting Minors

Tech giants Meta, Google, and TikTok have filed lawsuits to block a new California law designed to protect the mental health of minors on social media platforms. The law, slated to take effect in January, aims to curb 'addictive' features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, and recommendations for users under 16. These features are identified as contributors to a teen mental health crisis. The companies argue that the law infringes upon their First Amendment rights, asserting that it undermines free speech by allowing the state to act as an 'editor, curator, and controller of online speech.' Google, which owns YouTube, specifically claims the law would 'frustrate YouTube’s efforts to provide under-16 users with safe, responsible, and enriching experiences.' NetChoice, a tech industry-aligned group, supports these lawsuits, stating that the state cannot restrict minors' access to protected expression simply because it deems it harmful. Conversely, supporters of the law, like the Electronic Privacy Informatio...

U.S. Children Rely on AI Chatbots for Stress, Raising Mental Health Concerns

U.S. Children Rely on AI Chatbots for Stress, Raising Mental Health Concerns

A survey by The JED Foundation indicates that over half of U.S. children are using AI chatbots when experiencing stress or loneliness. Students who engage with AI as companions or for distress relief show higher rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Researchers are concerned that while AI might offer temporary relief, it could hinder the development of real-life stress management skills in youth, potentially worsening mental health long-term. A forthcoming study on middle school students in one U.S. state found that those using chatbots as friends reported increased loneliness over time. This trend suggests a bidirectional relationship where children with existing mental health issues turn to AI, and AI use may, in turn, exacerbate these problems rather than resolve them. The reliance on AI for emotional support is becoming a significant factor in the mental well-being of young individuals.

ElijahStreams Leverages Rumble for Decentralized Video Content Distribution in 2026

ElijahStreams Leverages Rumble for Decentralized Video Content Distribution in 2026

In 2026, ElijahStreams, a media ministry, has adopted Rumble as its primary platform for broadcasting live and on-demand video content. This strategic shift is driven by the desire for a resilient streaming environment that minimizes third-party interference and maximizes uptime for high-traffic broadcasts. Rumble serves as the central hub for ElijahStreams' video library, providing a specific and verified channel for its content. Users are advised to establish a verified Rumble account and follow the official ElijahStreams channel to receive push notifications for live segments and access archived episodes. Optimal viewing requires a stable internet connection of at least 15 Mbps for 1080p playback, and Chromium-based browsers like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Brave are recommended for the most stable live stream experience. Ad-blocker management is also crucial, as whitelisting the channel can prevent script errors or 'playback failed' messages, given Rumble's ad-supported revenue model.

Alaska Acting Attorney General Joins Bipartisan Push for Federal Online Safety Standards for Minors

Alaska Acting Attorney General Joins Bipartisan Push for Federal Online Safety Standards for Minors

Alaska's Acting Attorney General Cori Mills has joined a bipartisan coalition of 45 attorneys general urging Congress to pass the Senate version of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). This legislation aims to establish stronger federal safety standards for social media and gaming companies, holding them more accountable for risks to young users. KOSA proposes that technology companies take greater responsibility for platform features that contribute to online exploitation, harassment, severe mental health conditions, and compulsive use among children. It would require platforms to implement stronger safeguards and give young users more control over recommended content. Mills emphasized that while lawsuits can compensate victims, broader legislation is needed to prevent harm in the first place, citing recent federal cases involving child exploitation in Alaska, including Juneau.