As more teens use AI chatbots, parents and lawmakers sound the alarm about dangers

By Rhitu Chatterjee

Published October 1, 2025 at 4:16 PM EDT

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Nearly 1/3 of teens say they use chatbots for roleplaying romantic and sexual relationships. But some parents and digital safety experts warn that these apps can put teens at risk of suicide.

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Rhitu Chatterjee

Rhitu Chatterjee is a health correspondent with NPR, with a focus on mental health. In addition to writing about the latest developments in psychology and psychiatry, she reports on the prevalence of different mental illnesses and new developments in treatments.

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As more teens use AI chatbots, parents and lawmakers sound the alarm about dangers

Support quality journalism, like the story above, with your gift right now.

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