[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
AI moves fast – often at a speed that makes it tricky for us to keep track of, and like most things online, it\u2019s usually our kids who are the first to explore new tools before we do. In its early moments on the scene, generative AI sparked uproar around the multiple ways kids might be using it to cheat on their homework, write essays for them, or fill out the answers to the latest pop quiz. But <\/span>the way kids are using AI has evolved, from simple search and find, to carrying their very own digital penpal, confidant, and virtual therapist in their pockets<\/b> wherever they go.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The rise of the AI companion bot has seeped into kids\u2019 and teens\u2019 everyday lives. Not \u201creal\u201d in the true sense of the word, but still a stranger, <\/span>AI companions introduce yet another type of relationship that parents need to carefully consider<\/b>, understand, and raise questions about. What kind of bots is my child using? How do AI bots shape relationships, learning, and wellbeing? And above all, what do I need to know to keep them safe as they explore?<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The differences between chatbots and companion bots are subtle, but significant. They mainly lie in the design and purpose.<\/span><\/p>\n One of the major safety issues with companion bots is that many of the characters available on platforms like Character.ai claim to be licensed professionals, like clinical psychologists and psychotherapists. While tools like ChatGPT don\u2019t do this – and some are adding new safeguards or updating existing ones to discourage misuse – these bots have still been built to \u201csound\u201d casual and human, and many people are using them as personal confidants.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The answer is more than you might think. Recent research from organizations like Common Sense Media show just how common these tools have become in such a short space of time. At this point, <\/span>most young people have now interacted with some form of artificial intelligence, simply because it\u2019s all around us<\/b> – through search engines, homework helpers, or even in the apps they use and love. And companion bots are no exception: 7 in 10 teens <\/span>have used a companion bot<\/span><\/a>, while 1 in 2 is a more regular user.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Though many parents haven\u2019t yet given these tools a test run, especially the more emotionally driven companion bots, kids are ahead of the curve. It\u2019s safe to assume that AI is already part, in some way, of your child\u2019s digital experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n One of the most appealing factors of companion bots is just how easily accessible they are to <\/span>everyone<\/span><\/i>, not just through dedicated apps and websites like Replika, but also on more mainstream social media platforms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Companion bots are now cropping up in many different places, including:<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Kids use these tools across a wide range of devices – they\u2019re not just limited to smartphones. Through websites, apps, and inbuilt messaging services, <\/span>children are using these tools both in school and at home, both on their personal devices and school-issued devices.<\/b> The three most common ways kids turn to AI companions are:<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n 1. To get advice<\/b><\/p>\n From navigating friendships or arguments with romantic partners, to making important decisions and even discussing mental health challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n 2. For companionship<\/b><\/p>\n Kids can find a \u201cfriend\u201d in these bots, whether just to relieve boredom, or cope with loneliness – and in some cases, to explore romantic relationships. 8% of teens report that <\/span>they\u2019ve used companions for romantic or flirtatious interactions<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n 3. To learn<\/b><\/p>\n AI companions can offer explanations, tutoring help, or quick fixes for assignments kids are working on.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Part of the appeal for kids is how bots are designed to interact – <\/span>they\u2019re always available,\u00a0 free or low-cost, relentlessly patient, and quick to respond with empathy.<\/b> Perhaps one of the biggest draws is their \u201cwillingness\u201d to act as an always-ready ear, that listens and doesn\u2019t judge. For a child, these bots can feel like a safe and supportive space, even more so than when talking to friends or family.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2025\/09\/09115642\/2025-08-Blog-Your-child_s-AI-friend_Inside-Image.png” alt=”young girl chatting on phone with AI companion bot” title_text=”2025-08-%91Blog%93-Your-child_s-AI-friend_Inside-Image” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The unfortunate truth with companion bots is that <\/span>we don\u2019t yet fully know their impact on kids<\/b>, because they\u2019re relatively new to us and we don\u2019t have a wealth of studies yet to assess the psychological repercussions of their frequent use.<\/span><\/p>\n What makes it difficult to safety-test them is our inability to predict their exact response to any given prompt. We might know their general characteristics – for example, a bot might be built to be funny, or helpful, or supportive – but that doesn\u2019t tell us exactly how it would respond in a specific scenario.<\/span><\/p>\n It’s helpful to think of the potential harms as stemming from two different sources – one, how the tool was designed to begin with, and two, how <\/span>we<\/span><\/i> actually end up using it. But <\/span>early research and real-world cases point to some risks that parents should be aware of:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n There is also the issue of these bots being designed to sound and feel <\/span>just <\/span><\/i>like a human being – the kindest, most helpful and supportive human you have ever met. Kids and adults alike very quickly tend to forget that we are interacting with a piece of technology, and because of this, we end up bonding with it. Our emotional dependence develops shockingly fast, and some studies suggest that some users may even <\/span>perceive AI bots as being <\/span>more <\/span><\/i>empathic than humans<\/span><\/a>. Does this mean we may one day prefer having friendships and relationships with bots than with humans? It’s still too soon to tell, but it’s certainly a possibility.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Every child is different, but some potential red flags surrounding AI companions include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhat\u2019s the difference between an AI chatbot and a companion?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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How much are kids actually using AI bots and companions?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Where can kids come across companion bots? <\/strong><\/h2>\n
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How are kids using AI companions?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What do parents need to know about companion bots? Are they safe?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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What are some warning signs parents should watch for? <\/strong><\/h2>\n