Rising Use of AI for Mental Health Among Young People
More than a quarter of individuals under the age of 24 are turning to artificial intelligence to support their mental health, as the cost of professional help becomes increasingly burdensome. A survey conducted among over 2300 young people in New South Wales revealed that mental health and cost of living pressures are affecting younger generations just as much as their parents.
However, unlike older generations who may not be as tech-savvy, 29 per cent of teenagers are using generative AI for mental health support, according to the 2026 Youth Week Polling Report released on Monday. Almost the same number, 27 per cent, use AI for conversation or personal advice. Nearly three-quarters of those surveyed had used AI within the last year, with one-in-four stating they engage with chatbots like ChatGPT multiple times a day.
The most common reason for using these tools is for studying or homework help, but gaps in companionship and counselling have also been filled by technology. “The polling results around AI usage… identify how government and services also need to adapt to better support young people,” said Katherine McKernan, the NSW Advocate for Children and Young People.
Only 12 per cent of young people with a mental health condition reported that services are affordable, compared to 65 per cent of all those surveyed. This highlights a significant gap in the experiences of those who rely on treatment. Testimonies in the final report include complaints about long wait lists and high costs for parents being barriers to children accessing professional help.
Despite concerns about mental health treatment, 83 per cent of the state’s youth reported feeling happy about their life in the past year. “It’s encouraging to see the majority of young people say they are happy, but that sits alongside some pretty stark realities about the challenges they’re facing too,” said Minister for Youth Rose Jackson.
The effects of the recent social media ban were also assessed, with nearly half of those affected saying the ban had no impact on their life. Those who reported a positive impact outnumbered those who felt the opposite by nearly three-to-one. However, the benefits are tempered by the fact that many are still using social media in some form. Sixty per cent of people aged 13 to 15 were either still using restricted sites or had switched to other apps, according to the survey.
For those in need of immediate support, Lifeline offers assistance at 13 11 14, while Kids Helpline provides support for individuals aged 5 to 25 at 1800 55 1800.
