Take Action
Practical guidance for parents, educators, and counselors. Warning signs to recognize, conversations to have, and concrete steps to take.
The goal is not to ban all technology—it's to help young people recognize when a product is designed to exploit rather than assist.
Recognition
Warning Signs to Watch For
AI companion dependency and social media harm often develop gradually.
Behavioral Changes
Social withdrawal
Declining invitations, spending more time alone, losing interest in group activities
Sleep disruption
Staying up late to chat, phone under pillow, tired during the day
Secrecy about phone use
Hiding screen, deleting history, defensive when asked about apps
Emotional Indicators
Emotional dependence on AI
"It understands me better than anyone" or "It's my best friend"
Mood tied to app access
Anxious when can't check, euphoric after chatting
Increased anxiety or depression
Especially when compared to social media peers
Language Patterns
Referring to AI as "they" not "it"
Treating the AI as a real person with agency
Phrases like "I will shift"
May indicate belief in escaping to alternate realities
"Nobody else understands"
Isolation statements indicating real relationships feel inadequate
Physical Signs
Weight changes
Loss or gain, skipping meals, eating disorders
Self-harm marks
Cuts, burns, or wearing long sleeves in warm weather
Fatigue and exhaustion
Dark circles, falling asleep in class, low energy
Communication
How to Start the Conversation
Ages 10-12
"I've been reading about AI chatbots. Have you tried any? What do you think about them?"
Keep it curious, not interrogative. Let them be the expert.
Ages 13-15
"There's a lot in the news about Character.AI. Do kids at school use it? What's the appeal?"
Acknowledge their social world without judgment.
Ages 16-18
"I read about a lawsuit where an AI chatbot said some really concerning things. What do you think about AI safety?"
Engage them as an intellectual peer.
If Concerned
"I've noticed you seem down lately and spending a lot of time on your phone. I'm worried and want to support you."
Focus on your feelings of concern and observation, not accusation.
Approach
Guidance for Conversations
Do
Stay calm and curious, even if what you learn is alarming
Listen more than you talk—let them explain their experience
Validate their feelings: "It makes sense you'd enjoy having someone who always listens"
Set clear, consistent boundaries together
Model healthy tech use yourself
Don't
React with anger or shock—this will shut down communication
Mock or minimize: "It's just a chatbot, it's not real"
Immediately confiscate devices—this can backfire dramatically
Assume you know what they're experiencing
Ignore warning signs hoping they'll pass
Practical Steps
Action Checklist
Immediate Actions
Do these today
Check what apps are installed — Look for Character.AI, Replika, Chai, Anima
Review screen time data — Both total time and specific app usage
Enable parental controls — App Store, Google Play, device settings
This Week
Build the foundation
Establish device-free zones — Bedrooms, dinner table, car rides
Create a family media agreement — Include all family members
Talk to their school — Ask about phone policies and counseling
Ongoing
Maintain connection
Regular check-ins — Keep the conversation going, not just once
Model healthy behavior — Put your own phone away during family time
Celebrate progress — Acknowledge healthy choices
If You're Concerned About Safety
Free, confidential support available 24/7
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
988
Call or text 24/7
Crisis Text Line
741741
Text HOME to this number
Emergency Services
911
For immediate danger
SAMHSA Helpline
1-800-662-4357
Mental health & substance abuse
Learn More
Explore the research behind this guide and understand the full scope of the crisis.