Ethical use of AI in coaching

Young people are increasingly turning to AI for guidance, motivation and emotional support, but not all AI “coaches” are created equal. This project brings together experts across education, psychology and industry to explore a critical question: What does an ethical AI coach for young people look like?

One key outcome was a high-profile panel event which invited a diverse team of experts to examine trust, autonomy, privacy, transparency and the limits of AI-based coaching. The discussion underscored that many current AI tools behave more like recommendation engines than reflective coaches, narrowing thinking rather than expanding it. Outcomes highlighted the importance of transparency, safeguarding user autonomy, and ensuring clear pathways back to human support.

The resulting insights point toward hybrid coaching models that combine AI with meaningful human oversight. The work continues to inform national conversations on youth safety, digital wellbeing and the responsible design of next-generation AI support tools.

Team

  • Catherine Smith
  • Nikki Rickard
  • Kate Reynolds
  • Samantha Kaye Johnson

Contact: Dr Catherine Smith: <catherine.smith1@unimelb.edu.au>

Outputs