In bedrooms, on bus rides, and between classes, children are turning to AI chatbots not just for homework help—but for companionship, advice, and affirmation. What many parents see as a harmless digital curiosity may be altering how young minds develop, and not for the better. Chatbot apps are being downloaded by millions of users worldwide, and children make up a rapidly growing share of that population. These apps are often free, easy to use, and instantly gratifying. They don’t judge. They don’t get tired. For a child or teen feeling lonely, curious, or bored, these bots can quickly become emotional crutches.

One of the most popular AI chatbot apps available today is Replika. It’s marketed as a personal companion that learns from you and talks with you about anything—from school stress to existential questions. When you search for the app online, the first phrase you’ll see is: “An AI chatbot who cares.” This is exactly the kind of messaging that appeals to young people. It mimics the promise of emotional support, yet behind the scenes, it is powered by language models trained on generic internet data. There are no human values, no ethical guardrails, and no understanding of child psychology. What looks like a friend is just a string of algorithms doing pattern recognition—and children may not be equipped to tell the difference.

Children aren’t just turning to chatbots for companionship — they’re using them as problem solvers. That, in my view, is part of the reason we’re beginning to see studies linking prolonged AI use to signs of brain atrophy. Growing up means going through hard things, and learning to handle them on your own. There’s even a popular trend on TikTok right now: you vs. you. It’s about building resilience through struggle, not bypassing it.

If we don’t let ourselves wrestle with emotions, we’re doing our development a disservice. Leaning on an algorithm for advice about your first breakup might feel comforting, but it short-circuits the brain’s natural learning process. As one article in EdSurge put it, “if we are not struggling, we are not learning.” When kids make a habit of turning to AI bots for emotional support, it becomes a harmful coping mechanism — one that masks difficult feelings instead of helping them work through them.

Sure, the bot might offer an answer. But it’s not the kind of growth we want for our kids. The more they offload their problems to a machine, the less they learn to process real-life conflict — and the more disconnected they become from their own instincts. We need to teach children to live their lives, not hand that responsibility over to a bot.

Recent studies raise deeper concerns. A groundbreaking MIT and Mass General Hospital study found signs of brain atrophy in children who engage with AI or highly stimulating digital platforms for extended periods. While researchers are still exploring how and why these changes occur, the early signals are disturbing: AI interaction may not just confuse kids emotionally—it may harm them neurologically.

AI chatbots are becoming an increasingly common part of children’s lives. While the technology can seem magical and helpful, it is not a substitute for real human connection or the natural struggle that drives learning and growth. As parents, caregivers, and educators, it’s our responsibility to stay informed, monitor how our children use AI, and encourage healthy boundaries. Let’s guide our kids to develop resilience, critical thinking, and emotional strength — not to outsource these essential parts of growing up to algorithms.

 What Parents Can Do

1. Teach kids the difference between real support and artificial responses.
   Let your child know that AI chatbots like Replika may seem friendly, but they don’t understand feelings, and they can’t offer real help. Make sure your child knows it’s always better to talk to a trusted adult or friend.
   
2. Limit access to chatbot apps.
   Check which apps your child is using. Many of these AI companions don’t have age checks or content filters. Set rules around what kinds of apps are allowed, and use parental controls when possible to block or monitor risky ones.
   
3. Encourage real-life coping skills.
   When your child is upset or struggling, guide them through it instead of letting a screen do it. Talk it out, offer reassurance, and help them learn how to handle tough emotions — these moments build confidence and resilience.
   
4. Create tech-free zones and check-ins. Make spaces like bedrooms and family dinners phone-free. Set regular times to talk about what your child is doing online, and keep the conversation open, not judgmental.