Teens and ChatGPT: Opportunity or Obstacle?

The following is a message from our Head of Wellbeing, Ms Kirsty McEacharn.

As artificial intelligence becomes part of everyday life, many teenagers are turning to tools like ChatGPT—for homework help, creative writing, coding, and even advice on friendships or stress. But what does this mean for their learning, development, and wellbeing?

Used well, ChatGPT can be an amazing resource. It supports curiosity, encourages exploration, and can make learning feel less overwhelming. Teens can ask it questions they might be too shy to ask in class, get help organising their thoughts, or use it as a springboard for deeper thinking.

But it’s not without its pitfalls. Overreliance can reduce critical thinking and originality. And while AI is powerful, it’s not perfect—ChatGPT doesn’t always get it right and can present information confidently even when it’s incorrect or offering downright dangerous advice. 

This week it was reported that a 14-year-old boy named Sewell Setzer III, died by suicide after being encouraged to do so by an AI chatbot on a platform called character ai. This raises seriously dangerous inappropriate mental health advice from an AI chatbot, raising concerns about the role of AI in vulnerable moments of teens lives.

What can parents do?

• Stay curious. Ask your teen how they’re using ChatGPT—most are more than happy to show you.
• Focus on process. Encourage them to use it as a tool, not a shortcut. Learning happens when they engage with the material, not just copy and paste.
• Discuss digital literacy. Help them think critically about what AI can and can’t do—and why human judgement and connection are still vital.

ChatGPT isn’t going away—and nor should it. Like any tool, its value lies in how it’s used. With the right conversations, it can empower teens to think more deeply, not less—while reminding them that technology should never replace real human support.