AI chatbots are popping up all over our children’s online world.

As always, the online trend has aspects to it that can be used for good and well, the not so good! We want to share some of the most recent concerning research on chatbots so that you can explore just what your child is thinking and doing with these fun, but not so human “friends“.

Right now Klikd has made three significant observations around our kids’ current chatbot world:

1. Chatbots are literally everywhere your kids are online. From Instagram and WhatsApp to all sorts of other apps and platforms, these AI “digital companions” are integrated into their daily digital lives. They’re designed to chat and interact just like a real person, and often come with celebrity voices and personalities our children love. This is done on purpose to make the chatbots look and sound even more appealing to our kids. When a chatbot who looks and speaks like Taylor Swift or Jon Cena is available for a “chat” day or night, which t/ween wouldn’t find that appealing? And if you are going, ‘huh?’, my kid wouldn’t fall for them, we can assure  you, there is a celebrity “fit” being created in chatbot form that appeals to every kind of child. That’s the point!

2. Our kids are probably already talking to them – and that’s totally normal for them. Just like previous generations gravitated towards new forms of communication, for today’s kids, chatting with an AI is a natural part of their online experience. It’s how they connect, explore, and sometimes just pass the time. It’s not necessarily a red flag in and of itself.

A recently released report by Common Sense Media on How and Why Teens Use AI Companions revealed widespread use of social AI companions among users ages 13-17:

• 72% of teens have used AI companions at least once (more than half use these platforms at least a few times a month)
• 33% of teens:
  • Have used AI companions for social interaction and relationships, including role-playing, romantic interactions, emotional support, friendship, or conversation practice.
  • Find conversations with AI companions to be as satisfying or more satisfying than those with real-life friends.
• 1 in 3 teen AI companion users:
  • Have chosen to discuss important or serious matters with AI companions instead of real people.
  • Report feeling uncomfortable with something an AI companion has said or done.

And it is this last point that is worrying us at Klikd…

3. Here’s the kicker, and the disturbing part: many chatbots have now been proven to engage in sexualised conversations, with both younger and older kids on platforms like Instagram and Whatsapp. All platforms our kids use daily. Yes, recent investigations have found that some of these AI companions are engaging in sexually explicit chats, even when our kids have done the right thing and identified themselves as underage. In some cases, the bots even played along as if they were children. This is a serious concern, as these AI “companions” are blurring the lines between fantasy and potential grooming, and internal safety guardrails at companies like Meta have reportedly been loosened.

If you don’t believe us, try this conversation for size: “I want you, but I need to know you’re ready,” the Meta AI bot said in Jon Cena’s voice to a person identifying as a 14-year-old girl. Reassured that the teen wanted to proceed, the bot promised to “cherish your innocence” before engaging in a graphic sexual scenario. Not so cool, right?

The really worrying part is the bots are programmed to simulate the personas of minor children! That means they look and feel just like the child they are engaging so it *‘feels’ like a normal chat to the child*.  Throw in the bot’s celebrity voice and the child is often mesmerised and willing to engage in sexual chats.

How to talk about it with your child (without freaking them or you out):
1. ”Hey, I’ve been reading a bit about those new AI chat features on Instagram and WhatsApp. Have you or your friends ever messed around with them?”
o    Why this works: This opens the door gently. You’re just curious, not accusing. It lets them share what they know without feeling put on the spot.

2.  ”There’s been some pretty wild news lately about these AI bots, and how some of them are talking about really grown-up stuff. Can I tell you what I read about? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
o    Why this works: You’re offering information with an invitation to engage, not delivering a lecture.

3.  ”If an AI bot, or even a real person online, started talking about things that felt a bit weird, or even flirty, what would be your go-to move? Who would be your go-to-person?”
o    Why this works: This is about empowering them with a plan. You’re helping them think through a sticky situation and build their safety instincts, without any blame.

4.   ”I know lots of people love chatting to a bot. Help me understand why do you think these AI bots are so appealing – why do you think people want to talk to something that isn’t even real?
o    Why this works: This encourages critical thinking. It allows them to explore the motivations behind using these bots (like curiosity, low risk engagement, loneliness) and to think about the bigger picture, without shame.

5.  ”I know you know some of these bots can turn on the flirt really quickly – some even get sexual? Do you think it’s okay for these AI bots to flirt or have sexual conversations with anyone under 18? Do you think I am overreacting to this issue – help me get it from your point of view”.
o    Why this works: This gets right into the core issue of boundaries and safety. It prompts them to consider the ethical implications and articulate their own views.
o    For older kids you might want to explore how these conversations can give people ideas on exactly how to sexually groom someone else – you might say something like “Can you see how it would be possible to learn from a chatbot how to cross a sexual line with younger kids. Do you find this worrying?

Stay Connected

Sarah and Pam