It’s the technology that’s already embedded in many families’ daily routines. Parents have Claude put all your kid’s daycare’s events for the year into their calendar (along with exactly what they need to bring or wear that day) in a second, ChatGPT can make their birthday party invite, read them a bedtime story or help you word an awkward text message to the Grandparents about commenting on the kid’s appetite. AI chatbots are being used for advice on everything from sleep routines and toddler meals to kid-friendly travel itineraries.
But when it comes to childhood illness and emergencies, experts warn that relying on AI tools such as ChatGPT and Claude can come with real risks. “It’s something that we’re seeing a lot,” says Nicole Gleeson, a paediatric emergency nurse and founder of Rhythm First Aid, which provides infant and child first aid courses.
“I’ve heard it a lot, people saying, you know, my child vomited, so I just typed it into Claude.”
This is rather alarming when one ChatGPT’s biggest flaws is its manipulative and sycophantic nature — in short, it tells you what you want to hear, not what is true — and when a recent study from the University of Oxford found that asking a chatbot for medical advice leaves significant room for error.
Researchers asked 1,300 people to converse with a chatbot about symptoms of health conditions, including stroke, gallstones and meningitis. In two out of three cases, the chatbot provided an incorrect diagnosis or inaccurate care advice.
“Parents should never put their child’s symptoms in an emergency or first aid situation into ChatGPT or Claude or some sort of AI,” says Ms Gleeson. “AI can be great for a lot of things — but you can’t be sure where the information is coming from. I think it has the potential to be very dangerous.”
Dr Anthea Rhodes from the Royal Children’s Hospital says it’s not surprising that parents are turning to AI for childhood health information. “It’s free, anonymous and available anytime — but the main issue is knowing whether it’s presenting you with information that is up to date, working out if it can be trusted, and knowing if it applies to your particular child and situation,” Dr Rhodes says.
“Dealing with your child’s health and wellbeing issues is central to navigating parenthood, and seeking information is an important part of how parents do this. But the key is knowing how to interpret that information, how to check if it’s from a trustworthy source, and when and where to seek help and get further advice before taking action or trying things out at home.”
Dr Rhodes says problems can also arise when parents decide to use treatments or therapies they’ve learned about through AI.
“These products are often unnecessary and a waste of money or, in more serious scenarios, can actually be harmful to their child,” she says. As director of the RCH National Child Health Poll, Dr Rhodes is passionate about health literacy, health promotion and making accessible health information available to families.
She recommends following the Royal Children’s Hospital on Instagram and exploring the Kids Health Info fact sheets on the hospital’s website. These cover a range of conditions, including hand, foot and mouth disease, croup and conjunctivitis.
“And don’t forget the option of getting real-life, tailored advice about your child from your local doctor or child health nurse, especially if you’re worried they’re not improving or you’re not sure what information to trust,” Dr Rhodes says.
“Remember to be sceptical — if something seems too good to be true, it probably is, especially if you are being asked to pay for it. Fact-check things with a credible source before you follow any advice!”
So, where can parents turn for fast, reliable information when their child becomes unwell? Below, is a list of credible, accessible resources for every state and territory.
Victoria
The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department - a free 24/7 online video urgent care service for both children and adults across Victoria. Access online at https://ved.vic.gov.au/
1800MEDICARE - free health advice from a registered nurse. Access via phone by calling 1800 633 422. Healthdirect - free, 24/7 health information and guidance. Access via phone by calling 1800 022 222.
13SICK - free, after-hours doctor service offering bulk-billed Telehealth consultations and home visits. Access via phone by calling 13 74 25 or online at https://13sick.com.au/
Medicare Urgent Care clinics - there are 38 bulk-billed Medicare UCCs across Victoria. Find your closest clinic here: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/urgent-care-clinics
Victorian Maternal and Child Health Line - free, 24/7 advice from a qualified Maternal and Child Health nurse. Access via phone by calling 13 22 29.
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline - free phone advice from qualified maternal child health nurses and counsellors. Access via phone by calling 1800 882 436
New South Wales
virtualKIDS - a free service that connects families with pediatric clinicians for minor illness and injury. Access via phone by calling 1800 022 222.
1800MEDICARE - free health advice from a registered nurse. Access via phone by calling 1800 633 422.
Healthdirect - free, 24/7 health information and guidance. Access via phone by calling 1800 022 222.
13SICK - free, after-hours doctor service offering bulk-billed Telehealth consultations and home visits. Access via phone by calling 13 74 25 or online at https://13sick.com.au/
Medicare Urgent Care clinics - there are 36 bulk-billed Medicare UCCs across New South Wales. Find your closest clinic here:https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Hospitals/Pages/urgent-care-services.aspx
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline - free phone advice from qualified maternal child health nurses and counsellors. Access via phone by calling 1800 882 436
Queensland
Queensland Virtual Emergency Service - free service offering emergency care by video call for illness or injury that isn’t life threatening. Open everyday from 8am to 10pm. Access online here: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/services/virtual-emergency-care-service?referral=MjAyNi0xMC0yN1QwMDoxMToyNi42ODha
Nurse-led walk-in clinics - there are 4 clinics across Queensland that offer free treatment for children aged two and above for non-life-threatening injuries, illnesses and common health concerns. Find your closest clinic here: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/services/community-health/nurse-led-walk-in-clinics
1800MEDICARE - free health advice from a registered nurse. Access via phone by calling 1800 633 422. Healthdirect - free, 24/7 health information and guidance. Access via phone by calling 1800 022 222.
13SICK - free, after-hours doctor service offering bulk-billed Telehealth consultations and home visits. Access via phone by calling 13 74 25 or online at https://13sick.com.au/
Medicare Urgent Care clinics - there are 26 bulk-billed Medicare UCCs across Queensland. Find your closest clinic here: https://www.health.gov.au/find-a-medicare-ucc
13HEALTH - free advice from a qualified Child Health Nurse. Available from 7am to 9pm everyday. Access via phone by calling 13 43 25 84
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline - free phone advice from qualified maternal child health nurses and counsellors. Access via phone by calling 1800 882 436
Western Australia
**WAVEDkids** - free virtual emergency department service for families available everyday between 10.30am and 8pm.. Access via phone by calling 1800 633 422.1800MEDICARE - free health advice from a registered nurse. Access via phone by calling 1800 633 422.
Healthdirect - free, 24/7 health information and guidance. Access via phone by calling 1800 022 222.
13SICK - free, after-hours doctor service offering bulk-billed Telehealth consultations and home visits. Access via phone by calling 13 74 25 or online at https://13sick.com.au/
Medicare Urgent Care clinics - there are 14 bulk-billed Medicare UCCs across Western Australia. Find your closest clinic here: https://access.health.wa.gov.au/urgent-care-clinic
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline - free phone advice from qualified maternal child health nurses and counsellors. Access via phone by calling 1800 882 436
South Australia
Child and Adolescent Virtual Urgent Care Service - free online urgent care service for children aged between six months and 18 years. Open everyday from 9am to 9pm. Access online here: https://forms.sa.gov.au/form/60b04870ad9c5a0ec43b40d8/app/6ae1932835227fe1d6351ddf
1800MEDICARE - free health advice from a registered nurse. Access via phone by calling 1800 633 422.
Healthdirect - free, 24/7 health information and guidance. Access via phone by calling 1800 022 222.
13SICK - free, after-hours doctor service offering bulk-billed Telehealth consultations and home visits. Access via phone by calling 13 74 25 or online at https://13sick.com.au/
Medicare Urgent Care clinics - there are 9 bulk-billed Medicare UCCs across South Australia. Find your closest clinic here: https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/services/community+and+specialised+services/medicare+urgent+care+clinics
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline - free phone advice from qualified maternal child health nurses and counsellors. Access via phone by calling 1800 882 436
Tasmania
1800MEDICARE - free health advice from a registered nurse. Access via phone by calling 1800 633 422.
Healthdirect - free, 24/7 health information and guidance. Access via phone by calling 1800 022 222.
13SICK - free, after-hours doctor service offering bulk-billed Telehealth consultations and home visits. Access via phone by calling 13 74 25 or online at https://13sick.com.au/
Medicare Urgent Care clinics - there are 8 bulk-billed Medicare UCCs across Tasmania. Find your closest clinic here: https://www.health.tas.gov.au/patients/know-your-treatment-options-right-care-right-place/medicare-urgent-care-clinics
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline - free phone advice from qualified maternal child health nurses and counsellors. Access via phone by calling 1800 882 436
Northern Territory
1800MEDICARE - free health advice from a registered nurse. Access via phone by calling 1800 633 422.
Healthdirect - free, 24/7 health information and guidance. Access via phone by calling 1800 022 222.
13SICK - free, after-hours doctor service offering bulk-billed Telehealth consultations and home visits. Access via phone by calling 13 74 25 or online at https://13sick.com.au/
Medicare Urgent Care clinics - there are 9 bulk-billed Medicare UCCs in the Northern Territory.. Find your closest clinic here:https://nt.gov.au/wellbeing/emergencies-injuries-and-accidents/after-hours-medical-care
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline - free phone advice from qualified maternal child health nurses and counsellors. Access via phone by calling 1800 882 436
Australian Capital Territory
1800MEDICARE - free health advice from a registered nurse. Access via phone by calling 1800 633 422.
Healthdirect - free, 24/7 health information and guidance. Access via phone by calling 1800 022 222.
13SICK - free, after-hours doctor service offering bulk-billed Telehealth consultations and home visits. Access via phone by calling 13 74 25 or online at https://13sick.com.au/
Medicare Urgent Care clinics - there are 6 bulk-billed Medicare UCCs across Western Australia. Find your closest clinic here: https://www.health.gov.au/find-a-medicare-ucc
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline - free phone advice from qualified maternal child health nurses and counsellors. Access via phone by calling 1800 882 436
