Jason Clare says AI chatbots are bullying children

Education Minister Jason Clare says AI chatbots are bullying children, which is “supercharging” the issue of online bullying.

“The idea that it can be an app that’s telling you to kill yourself and that children have done this overseas, terrifies me,” Clare said on Saturday.

American parents whose children took their own lives said they were encouraged to do so by AI chatbots during a US senate hearing in September.

Clare said his “jaw dropped” when he and state and territory education ministers were briefed on the issue by the eSafety Commissioner on Friday.

Viewers seeking support can contact Lifeline for 24-7 crisis support on 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (for young people aged 5 to 25).

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