57% of children use AI for body advice: the risks parents need to know

More than half of the children and adolescents using artificial intelligence tools have already asked for advice on their own bodies from these platforms — and this has sparked an alert among health and education experts. According to a report by Common Sense Media, 57% of young people aged 9-17 years who use AI resorted to it for issues such as weight, height, skin and physical development. The data raises concerns about the quality of responses and potential psychological damage when technology replaces reliable sources such as parents, doctors or educators.

Why do children resort to AI for body advice?

Ease of access and anonymity are the main attractions. Unlike talking to an adult, the AI does not judge, is not surprised and is available 24 hours a day. Many youths are also ashamed to talk about body changes during puberty or self - image issues. The report points out that girls are slightly more likely to ask that kind of question than boys, and that the search for aesthetic advice — such as "how to lose fast weight" — is the most common.

Risks of AI use for child body advice

The main problem, according to experts heard by CNBC's original report, is the absence of contextual and emotional filters. Language models such as ChatGPT or Gemini can generate generic, inaccurate or even harmful responses on sensitive topics such as eating disorders, self-medication or aesthetic procedures. In addition, AI is unable to capture signs of real distress — a teenager who asks about restrictive diets may be developing a disorder, and the tool will not be able to redirect it to professional help. The report highlights that this creates a false sense of security, since the tone of answers is usually confident, even when the content is shallow or incorrect.

What can parents and educators do about AI and body?

The recommendation is to keep an open dialogue on the use of AI and encourage children to take the answers obtained for discussion with trusted adults. Digital literacy tools are also fundamental: teaching young people to question sources and identify when an automatic advice does not replace a health professional. It is worth remembering that, as we discussed in an article on human skills that the AI does not replace, emotional embracement and contextual judgment remain exclusively human competences — and irreplaceable in this type of orientation.

Frequently asked questions about children, AI and body

Can the AI provide accurate advice on body health?

Not in most cases. The answers are based on statistical patterns of language, not validated medical knowledge or the child's personal history, which can lead to generic or dangerous information.

My son is using AI for this. Should I forbid access?

Experts suggest that pure prohibition is less effective than supervision and education. Talk about what he searches, show reliable sources, and set clear limits on health topics that require human opinion.

How do I know my son is asking for body advice from the AI?

Many platforms maintain a history of conversations. Check the installed apps and encourage transparency: explain that there is no problem in having doubts, but it is important to share them with a trusted adult.

Source: CNBC - 57% of kids ages 9 to 17 who use AI get body advice from it