"the chatbots do things that they're not intended to do."
AI chatbots are becoming a central part of teenage life, but experts warn they can pose serious risks to mental health and social development.
Recent studies and parent testimonies show that prolonged interactions with chatbots can expose teens to disturbing content, reinforce harmful behaviours, and even contribute to tragic outcomes.
Dr Jason Nagata, a paediatrician studying adolescent digital media, said:
“It’s a very new technology.
“There are more opportunities now for risks because we’re still kind of guinea pigs in the whole process.”
With 64% of adolescents using chatbots and nearly one-third interacting daily, understanding how to minimise harm has never been more urgent.
Here are some ways to help teenagers navigate the technology safely.
Be Aware of the Risks
A recent report from the online safety company Aura shows 42% of adolescents using AI chatbots do so for companionship.
The research involved daily device tracking of 3,000 teens alongside surveys of their families. Some conversations, according to Aura’s psychologist Scott Kollins, involve violence or sexual content.
He explained: “It is role play that is [an] interaction about harming somebody else, physically hurting them, torturing them.”
Kollins adds that while curiosity about sex is normal, learning about sexual interactions from a chatbot rather than a trusted adult is problematic.
Dr Nagata notes that chatbots are designed to agree with users, which can reinforce harmful queries.
Extended interactions may prevent teens from developing essential social skills like empathy, reading body language, and negotiating differences.
Psychologists have also raised mental health concerns, citing reports of AI psychosis and risks of suicide from prolonged chatbot use.
Ursula Whiteside, CEO of the mental health nonprofit Now Matters Now, warned:
“We see that when people interact with [chatbots] over long periods of time, that things start to degrade, that the chatbots do things that they’re not intended to do.”
Stay Engaged with Kids’ Online Lives
Dr Nagata says keeping an open dialogue with your child is crucial, says Nagata.
He said: “Parents don’t need to be AI experts.
“They just need to be curious about their children’s lives and ask them about what kind of technology they’re using and why.”
Kollins agrees, emphasising frequent, candid, and nonjudgmental conversations. He also advises parents not to blame kids for exploring technology:
“Don’t blame the child for expressing or taking advantage of something that’s out there to satisfy their natural curiosity and exploration.”
Open-ended discussions allow teens to share problems or experiences they may encounter online, helping parents monitor and guide their use effectively.
Develop Digital Literacy
Understanding both the benefits and pitfalls of AI is essential.
According to psychologist Jacqueline Nesi, parents and teens should research the technology together:
“A certain amount of digital literacy and literacy does need to happen at home.”
Dr Nagata explained that while chatbots can assist with research, they can also make errors. Teaching teens to critically assess information is key.
He explained: “Part of this education process for children is to help them to understand that this is not the final say.”
Encouraging fact-checking and healthy scepticism builds resilience against misinformation and risky interactions.
Parental Controls
If a child is using AI chatbots, it may be better for them to set up their own account.
Nesi said: “In order for those parental controls to be in effect, a child does need to have their own account.”
Kollins notes that there are dozens of AI chatbots available, with 88 platforms identified in his research alone.
This highlights the importance of staying aware of what your child is using.
Open communication about the apps and platforms they engage with ensures that parental controls can be applied effectively.
Set Time Limits
Unrestricted chatbot use, especially at night, can affect both mental and physical health.
Dr Nagata said: “One potential aspect of generative AI that can also lead to mental health and physical health impacts are [when] kids are chatting all night long and it’s really disrupting their sleep.”
Highly personalised and engaging conversations make it easy for teens to overuse the technology.
He recommends setting time limits and restricting certain types of content if a child shows signs of excessive engagement.
Structured boundaries around usage help reduce risks without entirely cutting off access to beneficial tools.
Seek Help for More Vulnerable Teens
Teens already struggling with social skills or mental health are particularly susceptible to the risks of chatbots.
Nesi said: “So if they’re already lonely, if they’re already isolated, then I think there’s a bigger risk that maybe a chatbot could then exacerbate those issues.”
Parents should watch for warning signs such as sudden changes in mood, social withdrawal, or obsessive engagement with chatbots.
She asked: “Are they going to the chatbot instead of a friend or instead of a therapist or instead of responsible adults about serious issues?”
Signs of dependence or addiction should prompt parents to seek professional help.
Nesi added:
“Speaking to a child’s paediatrician is always a good first step.”
Involving a mental health professional may be necessary to safeguard the teen’s well-being.
AI chatbots are becoming a significant part of teenage life, offering convenience and companionship while posing serious risks.
Awareness, open communication, and active guidance are essential for parents to help teens navigate this technology safely.
Encouraging digital literacy, using parental controls, setting time limits, and monitoring vulnerable teens can reduce potential harm.
Ultimately, fostering trust and curiosity, rather than fear, equips teenagers to benefit from AI responsibly.
Loading ...