Okay, parents, lean in close—because we need to talk about something electrifyingly important that’s popping up everywhere: AI companions for our kids. I know, I know… the second you hear ‘FTC investigation’ and ‘mental health risks,’ your heart does a little flip-flop, right? What if this new tech hurts my child?
Why Investigation is Actually a GOOD Thing
Here’s the twist that got me bursting with hope: that investigation? It’s not a red stoplight—it’s a giant green light for awareness! Think of it like planning a family trip. You wouldn’t just hop in the car without checking the weather, road conditions, or if the hotel pool is actually open, right? This is the same thing! We’re finally getting the data we need to make brilliant, informed choices.
This is about building guardrails on an amazing new playground, not closing the park forever. It means companies will have to be transparent, ethical, and put our kids’ well-being FIRST. Now that’s something to get excited about!
Turning Fear into Fun: Your Family’s AI Adventure Kit
So how do we, as parents, navigate this? We don’t hide from it—we explore it together! My daughter and I have this little game we call ‘Question Time.’ Whenever we use any new tech, whether it’s a learning app or even just talking to a smart speaker, we ask things like: ‘Who made this?’ ‘Why do they think kids will like it?’ ‘What does it want us to do?’
Transform AI from a mysterious stranger into a friendly tool your family controls. That’s how we build trust, not fear.
It turns tech time into a shared discovery. It’s not about memorizing stuff for a test; it’s about nurturing a natural, joyful curiosity. That’s the core of AI literacy in education and at home—understanding the ‘why’ behind the ‘wow.’
Building Real Connection in a Digital World
The biggest worry I hear is that these AI friends might replace real human connection. But friends, what if we flip the script? What if we see it as a chance to strengthen our own bonds? These tools can be a springboard for incredible conversations with our kids.
If an AI tells a story, we can talk about what made it great. If it suggests a game, we can play it together and then go build our own version with LEGOs in the living room! The tech becomes the appetizer; our relationship is the main course. That’s the beautiful balance—using the digital to enhance the tangible, hands-on, muddy-shoes joy of childhood.
This approach to AI in education and play isn’t about handing over the reins; it’s about sitting in the driver’s seat together, navigating with laughter, questions, and a whole lot of empathy.
Source: The FTC is investigating AI companions from OpenAI, Meta, and other companies, Zdnet, 2025/09/12