A new study by Google and the Centre for Evidence and Implementation (CEI) has revealed that generative AI tools are deeply integrated into Singaporean teenagers’ lives. According to the survey, 80% of teens use AI weekly, with parents reporting that their children primarily rely on these tools for:
- Schoolwork (68%) – Researching information and simplifying complex concepts
- Daily tasks (45%) – Planning activities and managing schedules
- Entertainment (41%) – Learning new skills and creating content like artwork, music, or text
Parents are also engaging with AI alongside their teens. The study found that 61% of parents discuss AI’s capabilities with their children, and 63% use generative AI together—primarily for schoolwork. However, fewer conversations focus on AI’s potential risks, with only 47% of parents addressing issues such as misinformation and digital manipulation.
Parental Concerns: Misinformation, Over-Reliance, and Digital Safety
While parents recognise AI’s benefits, many are also concerned about its risks. Key concerns include:
- Teens becoming overly dependent on AI for learning
- Believing AI-generated false information or synthetic media
- Having personal photos misused or altered using AI
These fears are supported by parental observations:
- 40% of parents say their teen is unaware that AI may generate incorrect information
- 25% report that their child does not verify AI-generated content for school assignments
- 16% are aware that their teenager has altered someone else’s photo or video using AI
Despite these concerns, three in five parents assume their teen is already aware of AI risks, and one in two believe schools are covering the topic—potentially leaving gaps in AI education.
Experts Call for Greater Awareness and Parental Involvement
Norman Ng, Head of Trust & Safety Global Engagements (APAC) at Google Singapore, stressed the importance of balancing AI’s benefits with discussions on its risks.
“While AI has undoubtedly brought a lot of benefits, conversations about its potential risks are an important counterweight to ensure that teenagers can navigate its use in a productive way,” Ng said. “With homes being a safe space for many teenagers to explore and use AI, parents shouldn’t underestimate the role they can play in shaping their child’s experience.”
Dr Jean Liu, Director at CEI, highlighted the need for collective efforts to guide teenagers in this AI-driven era.
“The AI landscape is changing rapidly, and our survey highlights how teens are at the centre of this action. They are already using AI tools on a regular basis. We need all hands on deck to guide our teenagers in this landscape, to ensure they reap the opportunities of technology while staying safe online. Parents, educators, and app developers all have a part to play.”
Leveraging AI Tools for Safe and Responsible Use
To address these concerns, parents are looking for better resources, including:
- Teen education on AI risks (55%)
- Verification tools to fact-check AI-generated content (50%)
- More information on generative AI (48%)
- Content labels identifying AI-generated media (45%)
- Age-appropriate settings to restrict inappropriate content (30%)
Several tools and resources are already available to help families navigate AI safely:
- Parental controls – Google Play and Search offer Family Link to manage content restrictions, while SafeSearch filters inappropriate content for users under 18.
- Verification tools – Google’s Gemini ‘Double-check response’ feature helps fact-check AI-generated answers, and ‘About This Image’ provides background information on online images. YouTube also labels synthetic media created with AI.
- Educational resources – Courses like AI Essentials on Coursera teach users how to interact with AI effectively and responsibly.
A Call for Open Conversations and AI Literacy
As AI continues to shape how teenagers learn, communicate, and create, the findings from Google and CEI highlight an urgent need for balanced discussions. While AI presents exciting opportunities, ensuring that young users understand its limitations and risks is crucial. Parents, educators, and technology providers must work together to equip teenagers with the knowledge and skills needed to use AI safely and responsibly.
