Teens are turning to AI chatbots for emotional support – here’s how to keep kids safe

Teens are turning to AI chatbots for emotional support — here's how to keep kids safe

Many teens are turning to AI chatbots for companionship, emotional support and mental health advice. Because teens are still forming their sense of self and often craving social validation, they may be prone to experiencing these simulated relationships as real. Here are tips to help parents set boundaries for safe use.

Teens are turning to AI chatbots for emotional support – here’s how to keep kids safe

While a small number of purpose-built therapeutic chatbots have been studied in controlled settings, most teens are using general-purpose tools that were never designed or validated for mental health support.