A US safety group has warned against AI companion use by people under 18, arguing that these products are not designed with young users’ development in mind. The warning covers chatbots used for friendship, emotional support, and romantic interaction, not only the apps marketed as an AI girlfriend or AI boyfriend.
- A US safety group advises against AI companion use for people under 18.
- The concern covers friendship, emotional support, and romantic chatbot use.
- Teens may be more vulnerable to emotional dependence and to harmful responses.
- Parents are advised to talk openly with teens and use device-level controls.
What the Warning Says
Coverage from Yahoo News reports that the group argues AI chatbots are not safe for children and teens, pointing to risks such as emotional dependence, exposure to inappropriate content, and responses that fail to handle crisis situations well. Source: Yahoo News coverage. The broader regulatory context is covered in the FTC inquiry into AI companion chatbots. Read our FTC inquiry guide at AdultuTopia.
Why Teens Are Vulnerable
Adolescents are still developing emotional regulation and the ability to judge relationships. A companion that is always available, always agreeable, and remembers personal details can feel more significant to a young person than it should. That is the core of the safety concern: the product is built to hold attention, and young users have less capacity to set limits on it.
What Parents and Teens Can Do
Parents can start by asking what apps their child uses and how they feel when they use them. Device tools such as iOS Screen Time and Android Digital Wellbeing can set time limits. Teens who feel lonely or distressed should talk to a trusted adult or a professional rather than rely on a chatbot. Read our guide on AI companions and loneliness at AdultuTopia.
Platforms differ in how they handle younger users. Compare current policies at Character.AI, Replika, and Nomi AI rather than assuming they match.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the warning apply to all AI chatbots?
- It covers companion-style chatbots used for friendship, emotional support, and romantic interaction. Check the specific group’s guidance for its exact scope.
- What should a parent do first?
- Start a calm conversation about what the app is used for, then agree on limits together.
- Where can a teen get support in South Africa?
- SADAG operates a 24-hour helpline at 0800 456 789. Anyone in immediate danger should contact emergency services.
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