Dubai educators: children's dependence on chatbots is already an existing problem

The problem is 'already here', educators say

Educators speaking at the GESS Dubai conference warn that children are increasingly turning to chatbots for advice about feelings, friendships and personal problems — instead of talking to parents and teachers. AI's round-the-clock availability makes it possible to get answers and comfort without interacting with a real person. 'This is not somewhere in the future. This is already a problem', said Neil Hopkin, Director of Education at Fortes Education, in an interview with The National. According to him, some children are beginning to see chatbots as friends, even though the technology merely 'simulates empathy' and cannot replace the emotional support of an adult. He also noted that chatbots often agree with the user and reinforce their views instead of asking questions or offering a different perspective — which is especially dangerous in difficult emotional situations.

What research in the region shows

Educators' concerns echo recent academic work. Researchers at Ajman University, in a study of 433 university students in the UAE published in March, found a link between turning to AI for support and symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression; in the authors' view, AI appeals to young people because it offers a way to seek help privately, without fear of judgement. A separate study of 360 students at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman showed that 11.9% had used chatbots for mental health support, while 54.7% preferred traditional therapy and only 23.1% favoured chatbot-based treatment. Hopkin also warned that some AI toys and devices may collect large amounts of personal data about children and their families, and called for stronger protection of young users.

Another point of view and what experts propose

Kulangara Jacob Johnson, Director of the Center for Design and Innovation at the American School of Dubai, is also concerned about dependence, which he says is 'becoming an obsession', but cautions against jumping to conclusions: frequent AI use does not necessarily mean losing the ability to think independently — children may be 'redefining what cognition means'. The main challenge for schools and parents, he believes, is ensuring that children keep questioning AI's answers, for example by using chatbots to test their own ideas rather than only to get ready-made solutions. Ahlam Bulooki, Chief Executive of the Emirates Literature Foundation, previously pointed to another risk: a child may settle for the machine's first answer and not dig deeper. Both educators consider bans ineffective, since children already use the technology daily; they urge parents to talk openly with children about the limits of AI, and call for schools, parents and technology companies to work together. In Hopkin's view, AI will not replace teachers but will change the nature of teaching, and schools will remain the place where children learn relationships and empathy.

Show caption: Dr Kulangara Jacob Johnson, of the American School Of Dubai,…