I’ve recently written articles for Education press journals about our school’s own engagement with AI and its purposeful use in education, and in the research space I have become very aware of the growing concerns that parents specifically have for the amount of screentime they permit their children to have after hours. For me, there is a huge difference between TV screen time with family and Smartphone usage, which now enhanced by AI tools is bringing in worrying levels of addiction and isolation.

This special report provided by SchoolTV is a reminder for parents on what to look for and focus on. More generally, Special Reports not only address current day issues that are of troubling to parents and schools, but they also link back to previous editions of SchoolTV. This gives parents a more well rounded approach to understanding the issues concerning today’s children and young people. In turn, this should then assist parents in deciding which is the best course of action to take to deal with any matters of concern.

Access to Claires Court School TV is via the school’s parent hub on the website, one of the buttons on the central panel https://www.clairescourt.com/parent-information/parent-hub,

A Special Report: Navigating AI Relationships

Despite governments globally moving towards raising the minimum age for social media access due to mounting concerns about the negative effects on youth mental health and wellbeing, there’s now an even newer challenge on the horizon – the rise of romantic and companion AI bots. These virtual companions are becoming increasingly popular with young people, raising serious questions about privacy, ethics, and the future of relationships in the digital age.

The rise of AI-powered relationships is offering a new frontier in human interaction. Initially emerging in the gaming world, AI companionship has evolved into mainstream culture, with apps providing personalised experiences that range from platonic friendships to romantic encounters. These interactions can blur the boundaries between real and virtual relationships, creating confusion and potential psychological harm.

Criminologists warn that children as young as 12 are accessing dating apps, often bypassing age restrictions, exposing them to sexual content and predatory behaviour. Researchers have also found that many adolescents are turning to virtual partners for validation, risking unhealthy emotional attachments that can affect real-life relationships.

As AI reshapes social dynamics, it’s crucial to stay informed and engaged. While AI can enhance education and creativity, it also presents challenges around privacy, mental health, and misinformation.This Special Report will help you foster an open dialogue and balanced approach to help young people navigate this evolving digital landscape.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback – via the heads, school nurses, school secretaries or via form staff of course.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report:
https://clairescourt.uk.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-navigating-ai-relationships