AI companions, chatbots and young people
AI chatbots can mimic human characteristics, emotions and intentions, and are generally designed to communicate like a friend or confidant. The US Federal Trade Commission notes that this may prompt some users, especially children and teens, to trust and form relationships with chatbots (FTC).
What official bodies advise
- Know the risks. AI companion bots are commercial products designed to keep users engaged. If proper protections are not in place, they could provide misleading information, reinforce harmful ideas or steer users in unhealthy directions (Pennsylvania state guidance).
- Start a conversation with your child that is open and non-judgmental, focusing on which platforms they use and how they feel about AI and human relationships (Pennsylvania guidance for parents).
- Companion bots are designed to agree with and support users rather than challenge them, which can distort a child's understanding of relationships in the real world (Pennsylvania guidance for parents).
- Teach them the limits of AI companion bots as a source of mental health support (Pennsylvania guidance for parents).
- Companion bots collect a wide range of data, including user preferences, location and communication history, and children and teens may not know what is safe to share (Pennsylvania guidance for parents).
- Use parental controls on your child's device to set limits on apps (Pennsylvania guidance for parents).
- Notice when and why your child turns to a companion bot for comfort or interaction, and encourage a gradual reduction in use by helping them build healthier habits (Pennsylvania guidance for parents).
- Use it together: model safe use by using the platform together, talking through how to use it and sharing your boundaries for its use (Pennsylvania guidance for parents).
- If you notice warning signs in your child or teen, consider talking to their health care professional, school counselor or mental health provider (Pennsylvania guidance for parents).
- In September 2025 the US Federal Trade Commission ordered seven companies that provide AI chatbots to give information on how they measure, test and monitor potentially negative impacts of the technology on children and teens (FTC).
Help is available for mental health issues and emergencies. In an emergency, contact emergency services. In the United States, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 is the helpline to contact for suicidal thoughts and behavior (USAGov).
Sources
- US Federal Trade Commission, "FTC Launches Inquiry into AI Chatbots Acting as Companions" (11 September 2025).
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania guidance on AI companion technology: "AI Companion Technology" and "Guidance for Parents & Guardians".
- USAGov, "Find help for mental health".