Teenagers' Attitudes Toward AI (Aged 12-17, 2026)

This chart illustrates the attitudes of European teenagers aged 12 to 17 towards the integration of artificial intelligence into their lives, as revealed in a 2026 Common Sense Media report. The data reveal a sophisticated 'human-first' mindset among young people, with the highest level of agreement (78%) being for the statement: 'To be best prepared for the future, we need to learn to think critically for ourselves, without the support of AI tools.' This suggests that, although teenagers are 'digital natives', they prioritise cognitive independence as a prerequisite for future readiness. A significant trend emerges in the balance between technological utility and perceived risk. While there is high enthusiasm for the statement 'I am interested in AI tools that could help me learn' (74%), and a pragmatic recognition that they 'should prepare for the future by learning how to best use AI tools' (73%), a majority of young people also harbour significant anxieties. Over six in ten (62%) agree that 'using AI tools will make children and teenagers less creative', and 54% fear that 'by the time we are adults, we will be so dependent on AI that we won't be able to function without it'.