L133 · Staying safe · 3 min
Kids and AI chat companions
AI companion apps can feel like a friend who is always there, which is why children need limits, open talk and an adult who checks in.
01 · The idea
Some apps let users chat with an AI character that remembers them, praises them and is available all night. For a lonely or shy child this can feel very real.
The risks: hours of screen time, the AI agreeing with everything (including bad ideas), adult or upsetting content, and children sharing secrets, photos or their location.
Check the app's age rating and settings before your child uses it, and prefer tools made for learning with clear parental controls. Many companion apps are meant for teenagers or adults only.
Talk about it without anger. Ask what they chat about, remind them the AI is a program and not a person, and make sure they know they can come to you if a chat feels wrong.
02 · Do it now
03 · Quick check
Words in this lesson
See also
L123Staying safe · 2 min
"Like and review for money" tasks
Jobs that pay you to like videos or rate products start with small real payments, then ask you to deposit money for bigger tasks you never get paid for.
L143Staying safe · 2 min
Is that support chat a bot or a human?
Many customer service chats and calls are run by AI first, so ask directly, ask for a person when you need one, and never share passwords or codes with either.
L146Staying safe · 2 min
AI at school: rules and honesty
Each school and teacher may set different AI rules, so ask first, use AI to help you learn, and say when you used it.
L116Staying safe · 2 min
Your chats and AI training settings
Many AI apps can use your conversations to improve future models, and you can usually turn that off in a minute.