Common Sense Media Releases New Research on AI Attitudes among Families

SAN FRANCISCO, March 9, 2026—Common Sense Media, Echelon Insights, and Lake Research Partners today unveiled new research on families' attitudes toward AI, which paint a nuanced picture of how parents and kids view the technology's impact on daily life and society at large.

The research, which surveyed kids age 12 to 17 and parents, found that both groups believe AI will transform work, school, and day-to-day life in a major way. Nearly two in three parents think AI will change the world as dramatically as the internet and electricity. In general, kids are more optimistic than parents about AI's short- and long-term impacts, with over half of kids and under half of parents believing the technology will benefit society.

"AI is the most powerful technology of our time," said Common Sense Media Founder and CEO James P. Steyer. "Families rightfully see AI as a powerful force that will reshape life as we know it, but they're split regarding its promise versus its peril. Kids are using AI more than their parents realize, especially for school, but parents have real concerns about responsible use and long-term impact. One thing is true across the board, though: Both parents and kids want, need, and deserve strong guardrails, clear safety standards, and privacy protections."

Even as they embrace AI's potential, families have concerns about over-reliance. Seven in 10 parents and 6 in 10 teens agree that by the time today's teens are adults, people will be so dependent on AI they won't be able to function without it. Additionally, more than half of parents are worried that AI will make it harder for their children to find jobs.

The research report's other key findings include:

• There is a major AI usage gap between parents and kids. More than two-thirds of kids and teens use AI regularly, compared to under half of parents.
• Kids and parents often have different perspectives on AI and education. Fifty-eight percent of kids and teens are more likely to see AI as a learning opportunity, but 62% of kids and teens join 70% of parents in worrying about AI's effect on creativity.
• Parents and kids are split on whether it is appropriate to use AI for schoolwork. Most kids and teens believe using AI in school assignments is innovative and should be encouraged, while most parents think using AI in school assignments is unacceptable and should have consequences.
• Most parents and kids are worried about AI collecting personal information without their knowledge. Eighty-four percent of parents and 76% of kids and teens worry about AI misusing kids' data, but youth are less concerned about AI-generated misinformation.
• Across party lines, both kids and parents support legislative safeguards on AI. Among both parents and kids, three in four support government oversight of AI.

"Across the country and across party lines, parents and kids alike know that AI will transform our world," said Echelon Insights partner and co-founder Kristen Soltis Anderson. "They see that AI can mean enormous opportunity, but are clear that they want to see action in order to protect kids and families from some of the dangers AI can present."

The full report can be found here.

About Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the research-backed information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the age of apps, algorithms, and AI. We rate, educate, and advocate for policies to protect and prepare kids online. Our ratings, research, and resources reach more than 150 million users globally, over 1.4 million educators, and more than 100,000 schools worldwide every year. Learn more at commonsense.org.

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