In one sentence: An AI companion is a chatbot made to act like a friend, with a name and a personality.
Why it matters: In September 2025, the FTC started a study of how these chatbots affect children and teens. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry says most are made for adults only, and that AI companions are not safe tools for children. This is not medical advice. If you worry about a child’s mood, talk to their doctor.
One thing to do: Ask your child, calmly, if they use a chatbot as a friend. Check the app’s age rules together.
Related terms: chatbot, age verification, parental controls
Checked: 25 Oct 2026. Rules and company policies change.
