Abstract
A few years ago, AI was still just an idea. Today, it's everywhere. And it has moved into kids' lives faster than anyone planned for. To find out what that actually looks like day-to-day, we surveyed more than a thousand 9- to 17-year-olds across the country. We asked them how they use AI, how often, and for what. The Common Sense Media Census: AI Use by Tweens and Teens (2026) is the first in a series we'll repeat every year to learn how this generation's relationship with AI evolves over time. A few things stood out: Kids are using AI for many things. It's not just a homework helper anymore. For some kids, AI has become a confidant, even though our research is clear that AI companionship is not safe for anyone under 18. Guardrails are thin to nonexistent. Schools are talking about rules more than safety. Three-quarters of kids say their school has discussed what they can and cannot use AI for, but just over half have been taught how to use AI safely. Just like we saw with smartphones and social media, the conversation is once again lagging behind the technology. Nearly half of kids have never had a conversation with their parents about AI safety. Parents and caregivers deserve a clear picture of what AI looks like in their kids' lives. Kids deserve better support than they're getting.
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