Safety guidance for AI companion apps and chatbots that children and teenagers are increasingly using.
AI Chatbots is apps that use artificial intelligence to hold human-like text or voice conversations, answering questions or role-playing as virtual companions.
Official age
13+
We recommend
14+
Developer
Various
Risks
3
AI companion apps and chatbots like Character.AI, Replika, and ChatGPT are increasingly popular with young people. These tools can provide information, creative assistance, and conversational interaction. However, they raise unique concerns around emotional attachment, misinformation, and inappropriate content.
Children and teenagers use AI chatbots for homework help, creative writing, roleplay, emotional support, and general conversation. Some develop emotional attachments to AI personalities, which raises developmental concerns.
Age verification
Location: Account settings
Set to: Use accurate age
Most AI platforms have age-based content filters. Using accurate age activates appropriate restrictions.
Content filters
Location: Safety settings
Set to: Maximum filtering
Enable the strictest content filters available on the platform.
Data sharing
Location: Privacy settings
Set to: Minimal
AI chatbots may use conversations for training. Minimise data sharing where possible.
Discuss that AI chatbots are not people and cannot provide genuine emotional support
Time: 10 minutes
Check which AI apps your child uses and review their safety settings
Time: 10 minutes
Teach critical evaluation of AI-generated information
Time: 15 minutes
In immediate danger: call 999. For non-emergency police matters, call 101.
Concerned about a child but it's not an emergency? NSPCC helpline 0808 800 5000. Childline for young people 0800 1111.