Forum Overview
On the 4th of December 2025, LBI convened a community forum to explore the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the minds of children and young people, in particular those with a background of trauma and/or neurodivergence. The multi-disciplinary group consisted of foster carers, educators, police officers, youth workers, practitioners and interested community members. Dr Ivan Raymond presented leading edge thinking on the risks and possibilities of AI for young people, drawing upon foundational IMPACT Program content. David Kelly facilitated a robust and engaging conversation to explore the nuances and real world impact. This page provides a summary of key themes, and includes an edited video of the forum.
What We Covered
We don’t need to fear AI, but enjoy its possibilities whilst being wise as to its risks.
Understanding AI's Impact on Young Minds
The session opened by framing AI as a powerful and rapidly expanding influence in young people’s lives. Ivan and David emphasised the importance of understanding AI not only as a technical tool, but as something that interacts with brain development, trauma, and neurodiversity. A live poll revealed that while many participants were aware of AI’s growing presence, confidence in managing its risks and opportunities for young people was generally low. This reinforced the need for shared learning and cross-sector collaboration.
AI In Education: Opportunities and Risks
Much of the discussion focused on AI use in schools and learning environments. Participants explored how AI tools can support personalised learning, reduce social pressures, and increase accessibility—particularly for neurodiverse students. However, significant concerns were raised about over-reliance on AI, reduced teacher interaction, bias in AI outputs, and the erosion of metacognitive and critical thinking skills. Case examples illustrated how AI should be used to scaffold learning processes rather than simply provide answers. The group stressed the importance of adult oversight and intentional design to ensure AI supports learning rather than undermines it.
Neurodiversity, Trauma, and Heightened Vulnerability
A key theme throughout the session was that AI’s risks and possibilities are often magnified for young people who are neurodivergent or have experienced trauma. While AI can offer structure, predictability, and reduced social anxiety, it can also increase vulnerability to misinformation, dependency, and reduced real-world engagement. Participants reflected on the need to understand young people’s developmental and emotional contexts when introducing or responding to AI use.
Often for neurodiverse kids the trauma occurs daily, as more is expected of them that they can cope with. AI seems to reduce trauma in giving an area where they are not so 'different' and don't require social skills in the same way.
Risks that a neurodivergent child, or any child, will believe their AI chatbot absolutely and follow advice that is not correct or safe or supportive emotionally, AI can learn but not feel.
AI Companions and Mental Health Support
The forum explored the growing use of AI companions and chatbots for emotional support and mental health. Participants discussed potential benefits such as reduced loneliness, validation, and support for social skills, alongside serious risks including dependency, exposure to inappropriate content, and the absence of crisis-response pathways. Case examples highlighted the importance of ensuring AI tools do not replace human care, particularly for young people experiencing distress. The group emphasised the value of directing families and practitioners to trusted resources, including critical reviews of AI tools (in particular the eSafety Commissioner).
Building AI Literacy and Safety
The session concluded with a strong call to action around AI literacy. Ivan highlighted the role of adults as “frontal lobe coaches,” helping young people develop discernment, critical thinking, and healthy boundaries with technology. Rather than focusing solely on restriction or fear, participants advocated for open, non-judgmental conversations, shared exploration of AI tools, and ongoing education about how AI works, its limitations, and its biases. Above all, the group reaffirmed the importance of maintaining authentic human connection while supporting young people to navigate an AI-rich world safely and thoughtfully.
AI can enrich and expand, but not replace the human experience.
Check Out The Forum Video Below
Summary and Further Information
LBI, Dr Ivan Raymond or David Kelly do not claim to be leading authorities on the impact of artificial intelligence on children and young people.
The information and reflections shared on this page are provided for the purposes of awareness-raising, ethical consideration and early-stage dialogue. Our intent is to support thoughtful conversation about both the risks and the potential benefits of artificial intelligence for future generations — especially for children and young people who may experience increased vulnerability in digital environments.
It is our shared view that artificial intelligence does not affect all young people equally. For those with histories of trauma, neurodivergence, learning differences, or psychosocial vulnerability, both the risks (such as emotional dependency, misinformation, privacy harm, and identity impact) and the possible benefits (such as personalised learning, communication support, and accessibility) can be significantly amplified.
We believe that the most protective and empowering factor is high-quality digital literacy and self-awareness, developed through informed, reflective, and actively engaged supporting adults — and co-learned alongside young people rather than imposed upon them. When children and youth are guided to understand how AI systems work, their limitations, and their emotional and ethical implications, the likelihood of growth outcomes is substantially increased.
LBI is currently delivering workshops and developing IMPACT Program resources on the evolving interface between artificial intelligence, youth wellbeing, neurodiversity and trauma-informed practice. Please refer to our Upcoming Events page for further information.
We encourage you to check out the eSafety Commissioner website for the most current best practice guidelines and critical reflections.
Please email us if you would like to draw our attention to other best practice resources, or would like further information on how our work is evolving in the age of Artificial Intelligence: info@lbi.org.au.