Your child could be having deeply personal, romantic conversations tonight and not with another teenager.

A new wave of AI companion apps is attracting young people by offering constant attention, endless validation and conversations that never end. They remember everything, say exactly what users want to hear and create the illusion of a real relationship.

In this episode, Justin and Kylie explain why these chatbots are so appealing, why traditional parental controls don't stop them, and how to start the conversation without shame, panic or punishment. If your child has access to a smartphone, this is one conversation you can't afford to skip.

KEY POINTS
The three AI companion apps every parent should know about.
Why AI relationships feel safer and easier than real friendships for many teens.
How these apps use loneliness, curiosity and validation to keep young people engaged.
Why confiscating devices often drives the behaviour underground.
Practical conversation starters that build trust instead of fear.
The simple reminder every child needs to hear: a bot is a what, not a who.
Why strong real world relationships are still the best protection.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

"A bot is not a who. A bot is a what."

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Happy Families Tweens, Teens and Screens presentation
Happy Families website

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Ask your child what they already know about AI companion apps.
Stay calm if they admit they've used one. Focus on listening before reacting.
Talk about why these apps feel appealing instead of only discussing the risks.
Create a clear family agreement around AI companions and device use.
Keep phones and tablets out of bedrooms overnight.
Help your child build stronger friendships and real life connections where they feel seen, valued and understood.

Your child could be having deeply personal, romantic conversations tonight and not with another teenager.
A new wave of AI companion apps is attracting young people by offering constant attention, endless validation and conversations that never end. They remember everything, say exactly what users want to hear and create the illusion of a real relationship.
In this episode, Justin and Kylie explain why these chatbots are so appealing, why traditional parental controls don't stop them, and how to start the conversation without shame, panic or punishment. If your child has access to a smartphone, this is one conversation you can't afford to skip.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The three AI companion apps every parent should know about.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why AI relationships feel safer and easier than real friendships for many teens.</li>
<li aria-level="1">How these apps use loneliness, curiosity and validation to keep young people engaged.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why confiscating devices often drives the behaviour underground.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Practical conversation starters that build trust instead of fear.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The simple reminder every child needs to hear: a bot is a what, not a who.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why strong real world relationships are still the best protection.</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
"A bot is not a who. A bot is a what."
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Happy Families <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/the-screen-smart-series">Tweens, Teens and Screens</a> presentation</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.happyfamilies.com.au">Happy Families website</a></li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Ask your child what they already know about AI companion apps.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Stay calm if they admit they've used one. Focus on listening before reacting.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Talk about why these apps feel appealing instead of only discussing the risks.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Create a clear family agreement around AI companions and device use.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Keep phones and tablets out of bedrooms overnight.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Help your child build stronger friendships and real life connections where they feel seen, valued and understood.</li>
</ul>

Deciding which parenting advice to follow? Join the thousands of mums and dads who turn to Australia’s most downloaded parenting podcast.

Dr Justin Coulson and his wife Kylie bring real parenting solutions every day, cutting through the noise of modern advice with clear, practical guidance for every step of parenting.

From early childhood challenges to the complexities of the teenage years, each daily episode offers simple, evidence-based strategies to help you feel more confident in your decisions and more connected to your kids.

Deciding which parenting advice to follow?&nbsp;Join the thousands of mums and dads who turn to Australia&rsquo;s most downloaded parenting podcast.
Dr Justin Coulson and his wife Kylie bring real parenting solutions every day, cutting through the noise of modern advice with clear, practical guidance for every step of parenting.
From early childhood challenges to the complexities of the teenage years, each daily episode offers simple, evidence-based strategies to help you feel more confident in your decisions and more connected to your kids.

The Happy families podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now.

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Help! My Child is Dating a Flirty AI Chatbot!

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/ce509dc4-5afe-40c9-8c21-b49001866c63/transcript