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Newsweek
37 minutes ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Nearly Third of Kids Now Look to AI for Emotional Support—Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new study has found that nearly a third of children are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) for emotional support. While therapy and school counselors have historically been keystones of mental health resources for kids, the current younger generation has a new technology option to turn to. Why It Matters AI has skyrocketed in popularity, offering tools to boost productivity in workplace tasks and school assignments. While children often use technology to assist with research for their papers, AI has also proven particularly effective in helping humans address their mental health issues. However, limited research has been conducted about the possibility of long-term effects. In a May 2024 YouGov survey, 50 percent of respondents said the 24/7 availability and immediate access made AI chatbots helpful for mental health purposes. And 38 percent cited the chatbots' non-judgmental interactions as a pro. What To Know A new report from Norton found that 28 percent of parents said that their children turn to AI for emotional support. This trend is also reflected in the experiences of mental health clinicians. "I am seeing that a lot of children and young adults are returning to AI resources for emotional support," Kathryn Cross, a licensed professional counselor with Thriveworks, told Newsweek. "We also see this as a trend on social media. We are seeing people find comfort in AI responses, partly because they are receiving answers based on what they are looking for, rather than evidence-based advice." Children are facing unique mental health challenges, with 24 percent of parents in the Norton report saying their child has been cyberbullied. Roughly 41 percent also said their children turn to AI for companionship. Since many children are using tablets by the age of 2 and parents routinely give their kids phones before age 12, according to the Norton survey, the youngest generation may be facing loneliness and searching for meaningful relationships in a new and unprecedented technological environment. An April Gallup poll found that 79 percent of Gen Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, had used AI tools; however, 41 percent reported experiencing anxiety with the technology. Adult Gen Z-ers were more likely to say that AI made them anxious (53 percent) than their younger, school-age Gen Z-ers (21 percent). File photo of a smartphone displaying the ChatGPT logo resting on the keyboard of a laptop also displaying a ChatGPT logo. File photo of a smartphone displaying the ChatGPT logo resting on the keyboard of a laptop also displaying a ChatGPT People Are Saying Kathryn Cross, a licensed professional counselor with Thriveworks, told Newsweek: "While AI can provide what feels like useful insights on personal issues, it can also do damage, seeing as AI tools are unable to ensure long-lasting treatment based on evidence and real-life responses to crises. AI provides emotional support based on an algorithm, and it is programmed to give a response that is suitable for a person based on the wording used and the history that the program is picking up based on an individual's usage." What Happens Next The long-term risks of AI usage for therapy or emotional support are unclear, but experts warn that it cannot adequately support people in crisis like a trained human therapist. "The risk is that if someone is using AI tools as a replacement for therapy or other mental health treatment, these tools are unable to be hands-on with someone who is really in need of an interpersonal relationship," Cross said. "Nothing really compares to human to human contact and support."
NZ Herald
an hour ago
- NZ Herald
AI chatbots replace friends for 23% of NZ kids, raising concerns
He said in some contexts, AI could be useful, but parents needed to have discussions, even if such talk might create tension. 'Parents have concerns about holding their kids back. Kids want to be accepted. Obviously protecting your kids, making sure they're having healthy online interactions, is still vital.' Gorrie said 30% of Kiwi parents already checked their child's devices, such as by reviewing app usage, settings and installed apps. The Norton Connected Kids survey found the average baby boomer got their first mobile phone at age 41 but Gen Z kids born from the late 1990s through to the early 2010s did so at age 14. Norton said 34% of parents surveyed in late April and early May felt AI was not beneficial for children's learning or creativity. However, only 41% of Kiwi parents said they had discussed AI dangers such as deepfakes and misinformation with their children. Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok last month was found to have struggled with verifying already-confirmed facts, analysing fake visuals and avoiding unsubstantiated claims. The Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab) of the Atlantic Council analysed about 130,000 posts in various languages on the platform X before reaching those findings. In January, the US Federal Trade Commission approached the country's Department of Justice over a complaint that Snapchat's AI chatbot harmed young users. In May, an OpenAI technical report cited in New Scientist said some new AI large language models had higher hallucination rates than the company's previous 'o1″ model introduced last year. AI hallucinates when it makes up answers to questions, producing false or absurd responses. Papatoetoe High School principal Vaughan Couillault says the nuanced features of AI and its variety of uses should not be forgotten in a moral panic or generalisation. Photo / NZME Vaughan Couillault, Papatoetoe High School principal, said AI had good and bad uses, just as many technologies had. He said the issue of young people using cellphones was nuanced – and his school had a useful app where students could access their timetables and grades. 'We're increasingly turning to AI to create solutions for us.' On April 29, the Government's ban on cellphones in school classrooms took effect, aimed at removing unnecessary disturbances and distractions. Some groups have lobbied for stricter rules but Couillault said his school used a high-trust model to uphold the ban, which seemed to work. 'I've got 1800 kids and I would have maybe 10 to 15 confiscations a day.' Couillault said parents frequently had no idea what their kids were doing with phones, and attempts to regulate or monitor phone use at home could cause conflict. 'Perseverance, and human connection, is the solution for me.' He said a bigger issue was who actually owned the data young people uploaded to apps or AI programmes. He queried the Norton survey's sample size of 1001 adults, saying he had more kids at his school. Gorrie said the survey size was realistic for New Zealand, indicative of trends and Norton carried out multiple surveys worldwide. Of respondents, 13% of parents said their children had been victims of cyber bullying. But since some parents admitted not knowing much about children's online lives, and bullying and scams were known to often be under-reported, Gorrie said the true number was probably higher. Lobby group B416 is among those pushing for social media use to be limited to people aged 16 and over. Entrepreneur Cecilia Robinson, B416 co-chairwoman, said the new Norton findings confirmed what parents were already seeing. 'When kids as young as 12 are turning to AI for emotional support, it's a clear sign that we've handed over digital spaces to children without the right protections.' She said New Zealand had no independent regulator for online safety and no legal minimum age for social media access. Robinson said the current system left too many kids exposed, unsupported and unprotected. Bullying Norton's survey found 41% of parents surveyed said cyber bullying perpetrators were their child's classmate or peer. The company said 'trolling and harassment spans numerous platforms' today whereas in the past, children could generally avoid bullies apart from at school. 'Visual-first social media platforms lead the charge,' Gorrie said. Some children were bullied on multiple platforms. Of parents who said their kids were bullied, 33% said children were bullied on Snapchat, 33% also on Instagram, 30% on Facebook and 28% on TikTok. About one-quarter of those parents said their child had been bullied via text messages. The Norton survey added: 'Strikingly, 46% of Kiwi parents say they knew their child was being cyber bullied before their child confided in them.' Norton said that showed many parents were picking up on cyber bullying warning signs – but 28% had still not spoken with children about staying safe online, leaving them under-prepared when risks escalated. The survey was conducted for the 'Connected Kids' 2025 Norton Cyber Safety Insights Report, with 1001 adults surveyed.
Russia Today
3 hours ago
- Russia Today
Prince William's cousin found dead aged 20
Rosie Jeanne Burke Roche, 20, a distant cousin of UK Princes William and Harry, has been found dead at her family home under what police described as non-suspicious circumstances. Roche's death was first disclosed in an obituary published in the Yorkshire Post on Saturday, but wider media coverage followed the opening of an official inquest at the Wiltshire and Swindon coroner's court on Monday. Area Coroner Grant Davies told the hearing that Roche's body was discovered by her mother and sister at their home in Norton, Wiltshire on July 14 as she was packing for a holiday with friends. A firearm was found nearby. Davies said police had 'deemed the death as non-suspicious' with no evidence of third-party involvement. He later told The Independent that the cause of death was a 'traumatic head injury,' which could indicate suicide. The inquest has been adjourned until October 25, and the investigation is ongoing. Roche was the granddaughter of Edmund Hugh Burke Roche, 5th Baron Fermoy, brother of Frances Shand Kydd – Princess Diana's mother – making her related to the royal family through the Spencer-Roche lineage. She had just completed her first year studying English Literature at Durham University. In a statement, the university paid tribute to Roche, with her professors describing her as 'vibrant and creative' and saying she 'will be sorely missed.' Neither Roche's family nor Buckingham Palace has issued a public comment. Roche's grandfather, Edmund Roche, died by suicide in 1984. Last year, another royal relative, Thomas Kingston – the husband of Lady Gabriella Kingston, a second cousin of King Charles III – died from a gunshot wound, similarly ruled non-suspicious.
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Daily Mail
William and Harry's cousin, 20, found dead 'with firearm nearby'
By A firearm was found near to her body at the property in Norton. She had been packing for a trip away with friends, an inquest heard. Rosie's family have paid tribute to her, saying she was a 'darling daughter' to her parents Pippa and Hugh and an 'incredible sister' to Archie and Agatha. A spokesman for the family said the 20-year-old 'will be sorely missed'. Emergency crews were pictured responding to a serious incident at the family home at around 1pm on Monday, July 14. An ambulance, three ambulance officers, two firearms officers and numerous local response officers were in attendance. Rosie was the granddaughter of Princess Diana's uncle, the 5th Baron Fermoy, Edmund Roche, who killed himself in 1984 after suffering from a long bout of depression. He was found dead aged just 45, from a gunshot at his home, Eddington House. His sister Frances was the mother of Princess Diana. Last February, Thomas Kingston, the husband of royal Lady Gabriella Windsor, died with a gun found near his body at his parents' home in the Cotswolds. A spokesman for Prince William declined to comment. An inquest into Rosie's death at Wiltshire and Swindon coroner's court was opened on Sunday and adjourned until October 25. Coroner Grant Davies said police 'have deemed the death as non-suspicious and there was no third-party involvement'. A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said on July 14: 'This relates to the sudden death of a woman in her 20s. There are no suspicious circumstances and our thoughts are with her family. 'We would ask that their privacy is respected at this terrible time.' Ms Roche had been studying for a degree in English Literature at Durham University. An obituary published by the Yorkshire Post said: 'Roche, Rosie Jeanne Burke. Died on Monday 14th July 2025. Darling daughter of Hugh and Pippa, incredible sister to Archie and Agatha, Granddaughter to Derek and Rae Long. Private family funeral. A memorial service will be held at a later date.' The death notice of Ms Roche also appeared in The Times newspaper. Durham University has paid tribute today. University College principal Professor Wendy Powers said Rosie had made a strong impression on both staff and students during her short time at Durham. 'University College staff and students are extremely saddened by the tragic death of Rosie Roche,' she said. 'Rosie was a first year student studying for an English Literature degree. Rosie had settled into the University and College beautifully and had lots of friends. She was loved for her creativity, energy, her love of books, poetry and travel among many other talents. She will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and condolences are with Rosie's family and friends, and we are offering support to those affected at this extremely difficult time.' The student was a scion of the Barons Fermoy and the eldest child of (Edmund) Hugh Burke Roche, 53, and his wife the former Phillipa Kate Victoria Long. Her grandfather was the 5th Baron Fermoy, Princess Diana's uncle, who shot himself dead in 1984. Last February, Thomas Kingston (pictured right), royal Lady Gabriella Windsor's husband, died from a head injury, with a gun found near his body at his parents' home in the Cotswolds. An inquest in January heard that he had been given several drugs to treat depression by a GP at the Royal Mews Surgery, a practice at Buckingham Palace, after having trouble sleeping following stress at work. In the days leading up to his death, the former hostage negotiator turned financier had stopped taking any medication and toxicology tests showed caffeine and small amounts of sleeping tablet zopiclone in his system. The coroner found that he took his own life while 'suffering adverse effects of medication he had recently been prescribed'. For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit or visit
Daily Mail
7 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Prince William and Harry's cousin's cause of death is revealed
The cause of death of Prince William and Prince Harry 's cousin Rosie Roche has been revealed today. The Durham University student was found dead at home in Wiltshire by her family at the age of just 20. The cause of death was recorded as a traumatic head injury and a firearm was found near to her body, the coroner has told MailOnline. Rosie was discovered by close family members, believed to be her mother Pippa and sister Agatha at her family home in Norton. 'There are no suspicious circumstances or third-party involvement', the Wiltshire and Swindon coroner's service said. Emergency crews were pictured responding to a serious incident at the family home at around 1pm on Monday, July 14. An ambulance, three ambulance officers, two firearms officers and numerous local response officers were in attendance. Rosie had been at home packing for a trip away with friends when she died, an inquest heard. Her family have paid tribute to her, saying she was a 'darling daughter' to her parents Pippa and Hugh and an 'incredible sister' to Archie and Agatha. A spokesman for the family said the 20-year-old 'will be sorely missed'. A spokesman for Prince William declined to comment. A spokesman for Prince Harry also declined to comment. Rosie was the granddaughter of Princess Diana 's uncle, the 5th Baron Fermoy, Edmund Roche, who killed himself in 1984 after suffering from a long bout of depression. He was found dead aged just 45, from a gunshot at his home, Eddington House. His sister Frances was the mother of Princess Diana. Last February, Thomas Kingston, the husband of royal Lady Gabriella Windsor, died with a gun found near his body at his parents' home in the Cotswolds. He died at his parents' home after suffering a 'catastrophic head injury. An inquest into Rosie Roche's death at Wiltshire and Swindon coroner's court was opened on Sunday and adjourned until October 25. Coroner Grant Davies said police 'have deemed the death as non-suspicious and there was no third-party involvement'. A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said on July 14: 'This relates to the sudden death of a woman in her 20s. 'There are no suspicious circumstances and our thoughts are with her family. 'We would ask that their privacy is respected at this terrible time.' Ms Roche had been studying for a degree in English Literature at Durham University. An obituary published by the Yorkshire Post said: 'Roche, Rosie Jeanne Burke. Died on Monday 14th July 2025. 'Darling daughter of Hugh and Pippa, incredible sister to Archie and Agatha, Granddaughter to Derek and Rae Long. 'Private family funeral. A memorial service will be held at a later date.' The death notice of Ms Roche also appeared in The Times newspaper. Durham University has paid tribute today. University College principal Professor Wendy Powers said Rosie had made a strong impression on both staff and students during her short time at Durham. 'University College staff and students are extremely saddened by the tragic death of Rosie Roche,' she said. 'Rosie was a first year student studying for an English Literature degree. Rosie had settled into the University and College beautifully and had lots of friends. 'She was loved for her creativity, energy, her love of books, poetry and travel among many other talents. She will be sorely missed. 'Our thoughts and condolences are with Rosie's family and friends, and we are offering support to those affected at this extremely difficult time.' The student was a scion of the Barons Fermoy and the eldest child of (Edmund) Hugh Burke Roche, 53, and his wife the former Phillipa Kate Victoria Long. Her grandfather was the 5th Baron Fermoy, Princess Diana's uncle, who shot himself dead in 1984. Last February, Thomas Kingston, royal Lady Gabriella Windsor's husband, died from a head injury, with a gun found near his body at his parents' home in the Cotswolds. An inquest in January heard that he had been given several drugs to treat depression by a GP at the Royal Mews Surgery, a practice at Buckingham Palace, after having trouble sleeping following stress at work. In the days leading up to his death, the former hostage negotiator turned financier had stopped taking any medication and toxicology tests showed caffeine and small amounts of sleeping tablet zopiclone in his system. The coroner found that he took his own life while 'suffering adverse effects of medication he had recently been prescribed'.
