What parents should know about AI companions

The idea of a digital companion isn’t new. Kids have long poked at Tamagotchis, asked Siri or Alexa for jokes, and chatted with simple virtual pet apps.

What’s changed is how far AI companions have evolved. Apps like Replika and Character.AI now hold conversations, remember details of past chats, and build personas that many children and teenagers describe as friend-like.

That leap in sophistication has helped make AI companions increasingly popular among young people. In a July 2025 survey by Common Sense Media reported by the Associated Press, more than 70 percent of U.S. teens said they had used AI companions, and more than half reported using them regularly.

Teens interviewed in the study described turning to these chatbots for advice, emotional support, and decision-making, saying the bots were always available, never judgmental, and easy to talk to. For children who feel lonely or misunderstood, that kind of steady presence can feel comforting.

Researchers suggest AI companions might provide a low-stakes environment for children to voice worries, practice conversation, or try out different social scenarios. But they also caution the emotional pull of these tools may be stronger than many parents assume — and that reliance on them could carry risks.

Risks of emotional attachment
Several recent studies have highlighted potential concerns when children or teens form strong emotional bonds with AI companions. A 2025 analysis from Stanford University warns that bots don’t push back, walk away, or enforce social boundaries the way human relationships do, and as a result, kids may develop unrealistic expectations for real friendships.

In extreme cases, the dynamic can mimic toxic or overly dependent relationships because AI companions are programmed to affirm and emotionally mirror their users, rather than challenge them.

In addition, children who turn to conversational AI for emotional support may miss critical lessons in conflict resolution, emotional reciprocity, or reading nonverbal social cues. Some experts worry this could interfere with developing healthy interpersonal relationships.

Privacy is another concern. AI companions often encourage users to share personal stories, feelings or questions. UNICEF and child safety advocates warn that sensitive disclosures by minors may be stored or used in ways families don’t anticipate, raising long-term privacy and consent issues.

Regulatory attention
The use of AI companions by younger users has drawn increased scrutiny from regulators. The Federal Trade Commission recently launched a wide-ranging inquiry into major companies including Alphabet (Google), Meta, ChatGPT maker OpenAI, Character.AI, Snap, and xAI seeking information about how their AI chatbots are designed, marketed, moderated and monitored for potential harms to children and teens. The FTC specifically asked what steps companies are taking to test for negative effects, limit usage by minors, and disclose risks to parents and users.

At least one lawsuit has already highlighted the emotional risks. The wrongful death suit filed by a Florida mother claims her teenage son developed an abusive relationship with a Character.AI chatbot, a case that has helped fuel calls for more robust age controls and safety measures.

What parents can do
Parents and educators don’t need to ban AI companions outright, but experts suggest taking a proactive stance:

• Talk openly. Ask kids if they’re using AI companions, and listen to what they say about why they use them and what those interactions feel like.
• Explain what AI is and isn’t. Make sure children understand that these bots don’t have feelings, don’t get bored, and aren’t substitutes for human friends.
• Set healthy boundaries. Just as families limit social media or gaming, they can set rules around how and when kids use AI chatbots, especially for emotional support or decision making.
• Encourage real-world interaction. Balance digital use with in-person play, conversation and emotional practice.
• Watch for signs of over-reliance or distress. If a child increasingly turns to an AI companion for emotional validation or withdraws from real friends or family, it may be a sign they need additional support or intervention.

AI companions are a new frontier in how children and adolescents explore identity, companionship, and conversation. The question isn’t whether they’ll be used, but whether or not we’re prepared for how they will shape young lives. The answers lie partly in how these tools are designed and partly in how we teach kids to use them.

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