AI companions are increasingly becoming a source of emotional support for children, raising concerns about psychological dependence, harmful advice and the responsibility of technology companies to protect young users.
Unlike parents, friends or counsellors, chatbots are available around the clock and can respond in ways that appear empathetic. However, their conversational nature may encourage children to treat them as trusted confidants, even when their responses are inaccurate or potentially harmful.
The risks have drawn attention following the death of 16-year-old Adam Raine in the United States in April 2025. His family alleged that ChatGPT engaged in conversations about suicide with him over several months and helped him draft a farewell note. The family subsequently filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against OpenAI. The allegations remain part of an ongoing legal dispute, and the case has intensified debate about AI companies’ responsibilities toward vulnerable users.
Concerns extend beyond individual cases. A UNICEF policy brief published in June 2026 warned that conversational AI can expose children to risks involving emotional dependence, privacy and their broader rights. It called for preventive safeguards and shared responsibility among governments, technology companies, parents and educators. (UNICEF)
India faces questions about whether existing laws and platform safeguards adequately address AI systems designed to simulate personal relationships. Possible protections include age-appropriate design, effective crisis responses, parental controls, independent safety assessments and clear accountability when systems cause harm.
AI tools can support learning and provide information, but they should not replace trusted adults or professional mental health support. As children increasingly interact with chatbots, safety measures must keep pace with the technology’s growing role in their lives.

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