AAP Issues Policy Statement on Generative AI in Pediatric Care

The statement is about clinicians, not families

Published: October 3, 2026

On October 3, 2026, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a policy statement on generative AI in pediatric clinical care. The AAP news release says it appears in the November 2026 issue of Pediatrics. Healio covered it on October 5.

What the AAP said

According to the AAP and Healio:

• Developers should build tools for children, not adapt adult models, and use pediatric data.
• Tools should account for children’s developmental differences, privacy and family-centered needs.
• Clinicians need rigorous human oversight and clear accountability. Healio reports that clinicians should disclose AI use in patient care.
• Clinicians, developers, researchers and families should work together.

Healio reported that one author, R. Brandon Hunter, MD, advised clinicians to tell families that AI is a tool, not a friend or a health care provider, and that parents should supervise children’s use and set clear rules.

What it does and does not show

The AAP states that this policy statement covers clinicians using generative AI in care. It does not address direct use of AI by children, teens or families. It is not guidance on companion apps or on chatbot dependence. The AAP says it is developing separate guidance for families.

What readers can do

• Parents: the advice reported by Healio is practical. Treat AI as a tool, supervise use and set clear rules.
• Do not rely on a chatbot for medical decisions. Ask your child’s pediatrician.
• Watch the AAP site for its family guidance, and check it when it appears.
• If you are worried about a child’s mood or use, talk with their doctor.

If you need support

If you or someone you know is in distress, call or text 988 (US), text HOME to 741741 for Crisis Text Line, or call SAMHSA at 1-800-662-4357. In an emergency, call 911.

Does the AAP say children should not use chatbots?

No. This statement is about clinical use by pediatric professionals. The AAP says separate guidance on family use of AI is being developed.

Is AI addiction part of the AAP statement?

We found nothing in the news release or the Healio report about AI dependence. The statement focuses on development, oversight and safeguards for tools used in care.

This page is for education only. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan.