Is your teen chatting with an AI “friend?” From late-night venting to homework help, the use of AI companions are becoming a part of everyday life for many tweens and teens. What does this mean for the ability to form real world friendships? What should parents and caregivers know about mental health and social development risks from the use of these types of AI technologies?
Children and Screens held the #AskTheExperts webinar “AI Companions and Kids: What You Need to Know” on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. A panel of researchers, psychologists, and child psychiatrists shared what we know about how youth use social AI companions, how that use may shape development, and practical ways to protect children from risks to mental health and safety.
A full recording and transcript for this webinar will be made available soon.
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