Child & Family Online Safety
AI companion apps
What to know about chatbots that act like friends.
4 min readBeginnerAIChildren
What You Need to Know
AI companions are designed for sustained engagement. They remember details, respond warmly, and can blur the line between a tool and a relationship, especially for young users.
Why It Matters
These apps collect intimate conversational data and can offer harmful guidance during vulnerable moments, without any duty of care.
Warning Signs checklist
- Long daily sessions with a chat app
- Describing an app as a best friend or partner
- Withdrawal from offline friendships
- Sharing secrets they would not tell a person
How to Protect Yourself steps
- 1Ask curious, non-judgmental questions about the app
- 2Explain that the model is generating text, not caring
- 3Review the app's data and age policies together
- 4Keep real support options visible and available
Quick Checklist
- Ask curious, non-judgmental questions about the app
- Explain that the model is generating text, not caring
- Review the app's data and age policies together
- Keep real support options visible and available
Helpful Resources
- The Curiosity EditLong-form essays on cyber, AI, and everyday technology.
- Career GalaxyDiscover the careers built around this exact problem.
- Government resourcesOfficial reporting and recovery links, being verified before we publish them.
- Trusted nonprofitsCommunity partners offering free education and support, list in progress.
Follow the Rabbit Hole