Talking About AI Companions and Chatbots

AI companions and chatbots are becoming part of young people’s online world. This guide offers practical ways to talk about them, helping your child understand what AI is, think critically, and stay connected to real relationships.

You don’t need to be an expert in AI to support your child. Open conversations can help them use these tools safely, think critically about what they’re told, and maintain balance in their relationships and wellbeing.

What to know

AI companions and chatbots are digital tools that simulate conversation, respond to questions or messages and are designed to feel interactive or engaging.

They are becoming more common in apps, games, and online platforms and young people may use them to chat or ask questions, explore ideas or feelings, or get advice or entertainment.

Most use is casual and harmless but it’s important to understand how these tools can feel. AI can sound human-like, respond quickly and consistently and adapt to what users say, which can make interactions feel personal, meaningful and emotionally engaging. But, while they can feel human-like, they are not real people and do not have real understanding or emotions.

As a parent or caregiver, it's important that you support your child to understand what AI is (and isn’t), to think critically about its responses and to use these tools in a balanced way. Help your young person to recognise when AI use may be problematic, for example is AI is replacing real relationships, if your child relies on it for emotional support instead of people or if they begin to trust it without question. Staying curious and connected helps you guide your child as this technology continues to evolve.

Top tips for talking about it

Start with curiosity about how they’re using AI

AI companions and chatbots are increasingly becoming part of how young people interact online, whether for fun, support, or curiosity. Before forming conclusions, take time to understand how your child is using them and what they find appealing.

You might say:

“Have you tried talking to any AI chatbots or apps?”
“What do you like about using them?”
“What do people your age think about them?”

Understanding how your child is using AI helps you guide them without judgement.

Acknowledge why AI companions can feel appealing

AI chatbots can feel easy to talk to, non-judgemental, responsive and engaging - and they're always available. For some young people, this can help them to feel heard, supported and less alone; acknowledging this helps you connect, rather than dismiss their experience.

You might say:

“I can see why it might feel easy to talk to something that always responds.”
“It can be nice to have something that listens.”
“What do you like about those conversations?”

Recognising the appeal helps you have more open and meaningful conversations.

Help them understand what AI is (and isn’t)

An AI companion can feel human-like but it is technology, are not a real person. It doesn't have feelings or real understanding, instead it is designed to respond based on patterns and data and can sometimes give inaccurate or unhelpful responses. Helping your child understand this builds healthy perspective.

You might say:

“It might feel like a real conversation, but it’s still a program.”
“It doesn’t actually understand things the way people do.”
“What do you think the difference is between talking to a person and an AI?”

Understanding the difference between AI and real relationships helps young people keep perspective.

Talk about relationships, connection and real people

AI can be part of a young person’s world but it shouldn’t replace real relationships. It’s helpful to keep the focus on friendships, family and real-life connection.

You might say:

“What do you get from talking to people that you don’t get from AI?”
“Who are the people you enjoy talking to the most?”
“What makes a real friendship different?”

Strong real-world relationships help keep AI use in balance.

Encourage critical thinking about what AI says

AI responses can sound confident even when they’re not accurate or appropriate. Helping your child question what AI says is an important skill.

You might say:

“Do you think everything AI says is always correct?”
“What would you do if something didn’t sound right?”
“Where else could you check information?”

Questioning AI responses helps young people use these tools safely and thoughtfully.

Talk about privacy and what’s okay to share

Young people may treat AI like a private space but what they share can still be stored or used. It’s important to talk about not sharing personal or sensitive information, thinking before typing and treating AI like a public space.

You might say:

“Would you share that information with a stranger?”
“What do you think happens to what you type?”
“What feels okay or not okay to share?”

Understanding privacy helps young people make safer choices when interacting with AI.

Look for balance, not restriction

Using AI tools isn’t necessarily a problem but like anything, balance matters. It's important to notice if it starts to replace social interaction, take up large amounts of time or affect mood or behaviour,

You might say:

“How does using AI fit into your day?”
“Do you feel like you get a good balance of things?”
“What else do you enjoy doing?”

Focusing on balance helps your child use AI in a healthy and positive way.

Let them know they can talk to you about anything

If your child has confusing or emotional experiences with AI, they may not know how to bring it up. Let them know they can always talk to you.

You might say:

“If anything you see or talk about with AI feels strange or confusing, you can tell me.”
“I’m always here to talk things through.”
“You won’t be judged for asking questions.”

Open conversations help your child navigate new technology with confidence and support.

Bonus Conversation Starters

These questions don’t need to be asked all at once. One small conversation at a time can help build understanding and confidence over time.

“Have you used any AI chatbots or apps?”
“What do you like about talking to them?”
“Do they ever say things that surprise you?”
“How do you know if something they say is accurate?”
“What’s the difference between talking to AI and talking to a person?”
“What would you do if an AI said something confusing or wrong?”
“What do people your age think about AI?”
“Do you think AI understands people?”
“What would you share or not share with it?”
“Who would you talk to if you needed real advice or support?”

If you're concerned...

If your child feels confused, uncomfortable, or affected by something an AI chatbot has said, it’s important they feel able to step back and talk about it.

Encourage them to:

pause and reflect
question the response
avoid sharing personal information
talk to someone they trust

You might say:

“If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to stop and step away.”
“You don’t have to rely on AI for answers.”
“We can talk through anything together.”

You don’t need to fully understand AI to support your child. Staying curious, open, and connected helps them use new technologies in a way that supports their wellbeing and relationships.