Generative AI like ChatGPT is now woven into nearly every part of teen life, and many parents feel unsettled by how fast it all happened. Are teens using AI tools like ChatGPT or Google Gemini to learn, to cheat, or something in between? Are they turning to AI for emotional support? And what should parents actually be worried about versus reacting out of fear?

In this episode, Dr. Cam pulls back the curtain on how teens are really using generative AI. You will hear what teens told researchers directly, what surprised even the experts, and why most parents are focusing on the wrong risks.

Dr. Cam is joined by Alanna Powers-O’Brien, Research and Program Specialist at the Family Online Safety Institute and co-author of the national report Generative AI in Uncertain Times: How Teens Are Navigating a New Digital Frontier. Together, they break down what teen AI use looks like in real life, why many teens do not want to cheat, why 42% are using AI to talk through emotions, and what teens wish parents understood before reacting.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

How teens are actually using ChatGPT and generative AI tools for school, learning, and everyday problem-solving
Why many teens feel genuinely confused about what counts as cheating with AI
The real reasons teens turn to AI for emotional support and what it does and does not replace
Teens’ top concern about AI use and why it is not what most parents assume

Want support navigating tech, AI, and tough conversations with your teen?

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👉 Learn more at AskDrCam.com

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RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Generative AI in Uncertain Times: How Teens Are Navigating a New Digital Frontier
https://www.fosi.org/research
Family Online Safety Institute
https://www.fosi.org

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Alanna Powers-O’Brien

Organization: Family Online Safety Institute
Website: https://www.fosi.org

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell

Website: https://www.askdrcam.com
Instagram: @DrCamCaswell
TikTok: @the.teen.translator
YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam
Facebook: @DrCamCaswell

EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 Teens and Generative AI Explained
01:03 Inside the Research on Teen AI Use
02:40 How Teens Use ChatGPT and AI Tools
05:22 AI and Cheating Concerns
08:22 Ethical Gray Areas Parents Should Understand
10:13 Teens’ Fears About Losing Critical Thinking Skills
12:05 AI and the Future Job Market
12:59 Why Teens Talk to AI About Their Feelings
15:59 Why AI Feels Human to Teens
17:16 Data Privacy and Safety Concerns
18:40 Why AI Is So Appealing to Teens
20:52 AI Dependency and Social Connection
24:16 Accessibility and Emotional Support
25:54 What Teens Wish Parents Knew
27:56 Practical Advice for Parents

ABOUT THE SHOW

The Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the challenges of raising teenagers in today’s world. Hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach, the show delivers real-world strategies, expert insight, and practical tools to help you build a stronger relationship with your teen.

Each episode helps parents respond with confidence, reduce power struggles, and support teens’ emotional growth without shame or fear-based parenting.

👉 Learn more and explore resources at https://www.askdrcam.com/parenting-teens-podcast

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