Nearly 40% of Australian children aged 16-18 use ChatGPT
Australian children as young as seven are accessing OpenAI’s chatbot, although the company says its app “is not intended for children under the age of 13.”
As Australia considers how to implement a social media ban for children under 16, a new report provides insight into children’s use of OpenAI’s ChatGPT platform.
Online security company Qustodio’s Applications through the ages The report shows that despite OpenAI’s own advice, 30% of Australian children aged 13 to 15 regularly use ChatGPT. This figure rises to 39 percent in the 16 to 18 age group, but even much younger children are using the app.
Five percent of children aged seven to nine use ChatGPT, compared to 16 percent of children aged 10 to 12.
The data was compiled from anonymous app use by around 19,000 Australian families with children aged seven to 18 and was conducted throughout 2023, when ChatGPT was launched.
According to ChatGPT’s Educator FAQ, “ChatGPT is not intended for children under the age of 13, and we require that children ages 13 to 18 obtain parental consent before using ChatGPT,” which is clearly inapplicable given the ease of access without even creating an account.
“Parents may not realize that there are age restrictions for OpenAI. Children under 13 are not allowed, and those aged 13 to 17 can only access with parental consent,” Yasmin London, online safety expert at Qustodio, said in a statement. .
“Yet without measures to enforce these restrictions, young users are freely accessing these AI tools, often without their parents being aware of them or the risks and requirements in place to protect them.”
London added: “The education sector now has the difficult task of teaching children how to use AI in a respectful and safe way, while ensuring that young people are protected from the many security and privacy concerns associated with artificial intelligence. »
“AI can be a very valuable resource in the educational environment when implemented in a positive way and with certain limitations. It is essential to prepare students for the current and future digital world, helping them understand the benefits and risks of AI.
