One in five Ontario teens turn to AI chatbots for mental health help, study finds
A University of Ottawa study surveying nearly 40,000 youths in Ontario reports that about 20% of respondents have sought mental health advice from AI chatbots. Experts acknowledge these tools can fill gaps in access to care, but they warn that a lack of regulation and the absence of genuine human empathy raise concerns about their effectiveness and safety. The findings come as conversations about digital support for teen mental health intensify, with researchers urging caution and more oversight. The study highlights the growing role of AI in youth wellness, while emphasizing that it should not replace real human connections. No further details on methodology or the specific AI platforms used are provided in the report.
