Young Australians turning to AI for mental health help
More than a quarter of people under 24 are using AI to boost their mental health due to the high cost of professional help.
A survey of more than 2300 young people in NSW has found mental health and cost of living pressures are affecting younger generations as much as their parents.
But the 2026 Youth Week Survey Report released on Monday found that, unlike older people who are less tech-savvy, 29 percent of young people are turning to generative AI for mental health support.
Almost the same number of people, 27 percent, used AI for conversation or personal advice.
Almost three-quarters of respondents had used AI in the past year; and a quarter say they use chatbots like ChatGPT multiple times a day.
The most common reason for using gadgets was to study or help with homework, but the gaps in companionship and counseling have been filled by technology.
“The survey results on the use of AI also highlight how government and services need to adapt to better support young people,” said NSW Children and Young People Advocate Katherine McKernan.
Only 12 percent of young people with mental health issues said services were affordable, according to the survey.
This compared with 65 per cent of those surveyed and highlighted the disconnect in the experiences of those who relied on the treatment.
Statements in the final report include complaints about long waiting lists and high costs that parents face as barriers to children’s access to professional help.
Despite concerns about mental health treatment, 83 percent of youth in the state reported being satisfied with their lives last year.
“It is encouraging to see that the majority of young people say they are happy, but this is matched by some very stark realities about the challenges they also face,” said Youth Minister Rose Jackson.
The effects of the latest social media ban were also evaluated; Almost half of those affected said the ban had no impact on their lives.
Those who said the ban had a positive impact outweighed the opposite by almost three to one, but the benefits were diminished by how many still used social media in some form.
Sixty percent of 13 to 15-year-olds are either still using restricted sites or have switched to other apps, the survey found.
Lifeline 13 11 14
Child Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25)
