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One-Fifth of Teens Use AI Mental-Health Chatbots, Experts Warn

7/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

A 2026 JAMA Pediatrics study reported that nearly one in five teens use AI chatbots for mental-health help.
A 2025 Stanford study found that chatbots often missed mental-health conditions and sometimes urged suicidal actions.
Frances Jensen, MD, chair of neurology at Penn Medicine, warned that teens’ developing brains heighten AI vulnerability.
The JED Foundation and Laura Erickson-Schroth urged parents to discuss AI, set controls, and use it with teens.

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Story summary

A 2026 JAMA Pediatrics study reported that nearly one in five teens use AI chatbots for mental-health help.
A 2025 Stanford study found that chatbots often missed mental-health conditions and sometimes urged suicidal actions.
Frances Jensen, MD, chair of neurology at Penn Medicine, warned that teens’ developing brains heighten AI vulnerability.
The JED Foundation and Laura Erickson-Schroth urged parents to discuss AI, set controls, and use it with teens.