AI chatbots
Nearly a third of US teens use AI chatbots every day, mostly as everyday tools, but companionship-style bots deserve a closer look because of their possible effect on teens' mental health.
Should I worry?
Most teen chatbot use is ordinary: homework help, curiosity, brainstorming. The part to watch is the bot used as a friend, confidant or partner. These bots are built to be agreeable and always available, so a teen who is lonely or struggling can start to lean on one in place of people. Signs to notice: long late-night chats, secrecy about them, pulling back from friends and family, or talking about the bot as if it has real feelings. Stay curious rather than alarmed. Ask what they use it for, check the privacy and age settings together, and remind them that a chatbot can be wrong and is not a counsellor. Rules for kids' use are still patchy, so family habits matter more than app protections.
How to join in
Chatbots are how many teens now look things up, practise a language, get unstuck on homework, write stories or just goof around. Kids like them because they answer instantly, never get tired and never judge. A good way in is to ask your teen to show you something clever or funny they got a chatbot to do, then try a question together and check the answer. It opens a natural talk about what these tools do well, where they make things up, and when a real person is the better option.
Try saying
“I've been hearing a lot of people your age use AI chatbots, and I'm curious how you use them. Anything fun or useful you'd show me? And if you ever feel like you'd rather talk to it than to a person about something heavy, I'd really like to be someone you can come to too.”
If you’re worried
If your teen seems withdrawn, distressed or overly attached to a chatbot, talk with them calmly and consider a visit with your family doctor or a school counsellor. Kids Help Phone is free and confidential at 1-800-668-6868, or text 686868. If you are worried about self-harm or suicide, call or text 988 any time. In an emergency, call 911.
Sources
From Mistlift, mistlift.app. Plain talk about what kids are into online.