A recent study reveals that 40 percent of children in the United Kingdom have sought financial advice from artificial intelligence chatbots, highlighting a growing trend in how younger generations engage with money management. The research, conducted by GoHenry, a children’s banking and financial education app, surveyed 2,000 children aged 6 to 18 to understand their interactions with AI in the context of personal finance.
The study found that parents remain the primary source of money guidance for children, with AI tools ranking second. Most children appeared to access chatbots or AI-enabled devices owned by their parents, implying some level of parental supervision. The questions children posed to AI predominantly focused on practical financial topics, such as how to spend money wisely and how to research and compare prices before purchasing goods. Queries about quickly acquiring wealth were notably absent from the top inquiries.
Earning money also featured prominently, with many children utilizing AI to explore ways to generate income, often facilitated by tasks assigned by parents. GoHenry encourages children to earn pocket money through completing chores, a practice reflected in the data. Older children were more likely to use AI services like Claude or ChatGPT to investigate side hustles, with previous research indicating that 40 percent of GoHenry’s users had some form of side income, and one in eight had earned over £1,000.
Among popular money-making activities, many youngsters engaged in selling items via their parents’ accounts on platforms such as Vinted, eBay, and Depop, sometimes involving goods beyond their own possessions. Additionally, the purchase of crafting materials for creating goods to sell on sites like Etsy shows a shift towards entrepreneurial ventures beyond traditional school fundraisers. Trading collectible football cards was another area where AI provided a strategic advantage, with children using chatbots to assess market values and negotiate deals.
Interest in adult financial topics also surfaced, particularly investing, with older teenage boys showing curiosity about the subject. The prevalence of investing-related content on social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok appears to influence this trend. However, the unregulated nature of AI-generated financial advice raises concerns. The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) recently reported that a significant portion of inexperienced investors—especially those aged 18 to 40—use AI for investment advice, yet many remain unaware that financial losses resulting from AI recommendations carry no protections or compensation.
Despite these risks, the study indicated that children are aware of some potential dangers associated with AI. Many children asked AI how to recognize scams or deepfakes, and 73 percent expressed that formal education about AI in schools would improve their understanding of its benefits and risks. This aligns with the UK government’s initiative to incorporate financial literacy, including AI awareness, into primary and secondary education by 2028.
As financial services increasingly consider integrating AI into their platforms, the ability to provide accessible, reliable money management guidance could become a defining factor in attracting young customers. Teaching critical thinking and skepticism toward AI’s authoritative tone may be vital to preparing the next generation for their financial futures.