Almost 40% of Australian children aged 16-18 use ChatGPT
Australian children as young as seven are accessing OpenAI’s chatbot despite the company saying its app is “not intended for children under 13.”
As Australia mulls 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.
The online security company Qustodio’s Applications through the ages The report shows that despite OpenAI’s own advice, 30 percent of Australian children aged 13 to 15 use ChatGPT regularly. The figure rises to 39 percent in the 16-18 age group, but even much younger children use the app.
Five percent of children between seven and nine years old use ChatGPT, this figure increases to 16 percent of children between 10 and 12 years old.
The data was compiled from the anonymous app usage of 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 13 years of age, and we require that children ages 13 to 18 obtain parental consent before using ChatGPT,” which is clearly unenforceable given the easy to 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 between 13 and 17 should only be able to access them with parental consent,” Yasmin London, online safety expert at Qustodio, said in a statement.
“However, without measures to enforce these restrictions, young users are freely accessing these AI tools, often without their parents realizing, nor without the risks and requirements put in place to protect them.”
London added: “The education sector now has the difficult task of teaching children how to use AI respectfully and safely, while ensuring young people are protected from the many security and privacy issues that come with artificial intelligence. ”.
“AI can be a very valuable resource in the educational environment when implemented in a positive way and with limits. “It is essential to prepare students for the current and future digital world, helping them understand the benefits and risks of AI.”
