A growing trust gap: Poll finds a majority of parents see AI as ‘bad for kids’

A recent survey of 800 parents found that 61% view AI products as bad for kids.

Jan. 27, 2026 — The race to release untested, unsafe AI products has created a serious trust gap among American parents, according to the results of a recent poll.

The survey of 800 parents found that 61% view artificial intelligence as bad for kids, with only 20% saying it’s good for children and teens. Nearly half of all parents surveyed say kids getting inappropriate romantic or sexual responses from AI chatbots is a widespread problem.

The poll, commissioned by the Institute for Families and Technology (IFT) and conducted by GQR and American Viewpoint, surveyed parents who were also registered voters in October 2025.

80% support holding social media companies accountable

Other key findings from the survey:

•  42% of parents say that AI chatbots not reporting troubling behavior from kids, including talk of suicide, is a widespread problem.

• 42% of parents say kids developing intense emotional bonds with AI chatbots is widespread or happening here and there.

• Only 5% or fewer parents say each of these interactions are only rarely or not at all problems.

• Democrats are more likely than Republicans to think they can keep their kids safe online, but partisans feel similarly about the risks of AI for kids and share the same lack of trust in companies to prioritize child safety.

• Nearly 3 in 4 voters (73%), including 81% of Democrats and 71% of Republicans, support holding social media companies accountable for various situations where users may be harmed by content or exposed to illegal or prohibited content.

• Eight in 10 support holding social media companies accountable when the harm involves kids under age 13 or allowing children and predators to interact.

Read more about the survey and its methodology here.

Learn more: Parents playbook for ai

The Parents Playbook for AI is a new resource for parents and families navigating the evolution of this powerful new technology.