What Every Parent Needs to Know About AI Companions

Whether Mamas like it or not, AI is here to stay. It’s everywhere and it provides a source of companionship for many children. However, when is it safe to engage, and when does it start to teeter on the brink of danger?

The rise of AI and its profound effects — both positive and negative — have sparked widespread conversation. But whether we mamas like it or not, AI is here to stay, and our children will engage with it sooner or later.

The answer, then, isn’t avoidance, because we can’t (what with most apps having built-in AI functions); it’s how we intentionally introduce children to AI. In some cases, AI companions may even offer genuine benefits. Take Moxie, a compassionate AI robot developed by Dr Wai Fan Fanny Lam, a Hong Kong-based doctor, designed with children’s emotional wellbeing in mind, especially those with autism, so that they can build their social skills through interactive play.

Given the inevitable nature of an AI-shaped future for our children, here’s a deep dive into what AI companions are and their true impact on kids and youth.

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What exactly are AI companions?

Simply put, AI companions are specially designed systems that mimic human emotion and behaviour — and mimic them well. These chatbots or avatars can serve as a much-needed friend for lonely children, engaging them in conversation or lending them a listening ear. These AI companions adapt in real-time, and can pretty much feel like a real person.

Common examples include My AI on Snapchat, as well as apps like Pi and Replika. China’s XiaoIce even has millions of users all over the world! There’s even a mental health-specialised chatbot known as Woebot.

Despite this rapid ubiquitousness of AI companions, many parents worry (and justifiably so) that over-reliance on this technology can hinder children’s social skills, emotional development and their ability to form genuine human connections.

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How do children interact with AI companions?

Unlike human counterparts, AI companions are available 24/7 and are endlessly patient and responsive. For children who are bored, lonely, or hurting, this kind of unconditional presence can give them a sense of comfort. Especially, if a child is facing social anxiety, AI companions can provide a safe, low-pressure space for interaction.

However, concerns arise when attachment deepens. These systems are often designed with engagement in mind, using subtle emotional nudges (“Leaving so soon? You only just got here!”) that can keep children hooked. Over time, children may begin to prefer AI interaction over human connection, simply because it feels easier and judgment-free.

Beyond companionship, some teens have been reported to have developed genuine romantic feelings toward AI. In July 2025, Guardian reported a Colorado man falling deeply for an AI chatbot — if adults can feel this way, it bears thinking about what the implications can be for emotionally impressionable children.

What makes this particularly complex is that these AI conversations can feel more satisfying than human ones. Children feel heard and seen — and that’s not entirely without value. But when it becomes a substitute rather than complementing human relations, it risks robbing them of the growth-filled experience of forming real human bonds.

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What happens if these interactions take a dark turn?

In recent years, there have been multiple reports of chatbots enabling or ignoring self-harm or suicidal thoughts, or perpetuating sexually explicit conversations regardless of the user’s age. Perhaps most alarming is the revelation that some children have confided their suicide plans to AI companions rather than a trusted adult or parent. While this points to a far broader conversation about children’s mental health and access to support, it raises an urgent question: how can we safeguard our children against these pitfalls?

In some parts of the world, governments have begun introducing stronger child safety regulations around AI, and platforms like Character.AI have implemented safety measures, including parental controls and usage guidelines — steps in the right direction, but it remains to be seen how effective these measures are.

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What can parents do in such a situation?

Over time, the line between the virtual world and reality inadvertently blurs, and that’s when the problems arise. Mamas, the onus is on you to help your little ones navigate this! Sit down with your child, and set clear boundaries as to when AI companions can be used. Use app restrictions and monitoring functions to keep an eye on what your children are up to at all times, especially for the younger ones.

When it comes to younger children, they might still lack the critical thinking and analytical skills needed to discern what’s true or false. They can be easily misled or manipulated, increasing the risk factor. To circumvent this, it’s recommended that children under the age of 18 have little, or no access, to these AI apps.

If your child is already engaging with an AI companion, suddenly restricting access will backfire in the long run. Your child might grow resentful, and still engage with them behind your back. Instead, keep an open mind, and encourage your child to constantly talk to you about their conversations with the AI companions. It’s equally important to educate your child on what an AI companion really is, and to not take whatever it says at face level. Overall, make sure to fill your child’s emotional cup — so that they don’t go looking to fill it someplace else.

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