51% of Italian children confide in the IA rather than their parents or friends: "It is always available, responds immediately and does not judge us"

A new study reveals that more than half of Italian adolescents turn to artificial intelligence before seeking support from parents, friends, or teachers when dealing with emotional issues such as anxiety, loneliness, or sadness. According to research conducted by GoStudent in July 2026, 51 percent of young people aged 11 to 17 prefer to open a chat with AI rather than speak to adults about their feelings. The findings highlight a shift in how Gen Z interacts emotionally, raising concerns among families who feel increasingly excluded from their children’s private lives. The reasons behind this preference blend psychological factors with practical considerations. Nearly a third of the respondents cited the constant availability of chatbots, which can be accessed anytime, day or night. A quarter valued the speed with which AI provides responses, while almost a fifth trusted the technology because they believed it would keep their secrets confidential. Many teenagers also expressed fear of being judged by adults, with nearly 18 percent admitting they choose AI to avoid criticism from parents or teachers. Another 13 percent said they want to prevent worrying their family members, and yet another 13 percent admitted they use AI to avoid getting into trouble. The topics discussed in these chats often relate to everyday challenges. Almost half of the participants talked to AI about school performance, test anxiety, and relationships with teachers. Around one in five addressed friendships and romantic relationships, while just over 13 percent claimed they had never shared personal matters with a chatbot. The study also uncovered a concerning trend: many teenagers apply advice received from AI in real life without informing their families. Of those who sought emotional guidance through chatbots, 56 percent acted on the recommendations given. Nearly four in ten of them did not share these experiences with any adult. This has left many parents feeling disconnected from their children's inner world. Parents expressed deep concern about the implications of this behavior. Over half of the surveyed parents stated their children had never mentioned using AI to cope with personal or emotional problems. Their worries include the risk of developing dependency on chatbots, with 30 percent fearing addiction. About a fifth were concerned about social isolation and the decline of face-to-face communication, while 18 percent worried about not knowing what kind of advice their children were receiving. In response to these findings, Italian families have largely called for stricter regulations. An overwhelming 88 percent of interviewed parents demanded immediate restrictions on AI chatbot usage for minors under 16 years old. Nearly half of them argued that access should require parental consent, while almost 40 percent advocated for outright bans. These calls reflect growing unease about the role AI plays in shaping young minds. Felix Ohswald, CEO and co-founder of GoStudent, commented on the study's results, noting that the data confirms AI is used by students for much more than academic help. He emphasized that young people are turning to AI to discuss their emotions, sometimes even before speaking to anyone else. His remarks underscore the need for further discussion on how best to guide youth in navigating both digital and human interactions responsibly.