AI, Mental Health and Our Children: What Parents Need to Know
Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of everyday life. Young people use AI for schoolwork, questions, advice and, increasingly, to talk through personal and emotional concerns.
AI tools can add tremendous value in our daily lives and work, and they have the potential to improve access to information, support productivity, and enhance services. At the same time, there can be significant risks when these tools are used inappropriately or when individuals rely on them in place of qualified professionals and human connection.
A recent NPR/Health News Florida article highlights those risks through the tragic story of 29-year-old Sophie Rottenberg, who died by suicide after struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. While Sophie had family, friends and professional support, she had shared the depth of her struggles primarily with an AI chatbot she had instructed to act as her therapist. (Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/08/18/nx-s1-5929575/ai-suicide-risks-mental-health)
The story offers several important lessons for parents and caregivers.
AI Is a Tool, Not a Therapist
Young people may be drawn to AI because it is available 24/7, private and seemingly nonjudgmental. In fact, research cited in the article found that as many as 1 in 5 teens and young adults use digital tools, including chatbots, for mental health support.
AI can provide useful information and help people organize their thoughts, but it cannot replace a qualified mental health professional. When someone may be at risk of suicide, they need a trained person who can assess the situation, ask appropriate questions and help connect them to care.
Parents should also remind young people that AI should not be relied upon for decisions about medications, dosages, drug interactions, diagnoses or treatment. Those conversations belong with qualified health care professionals.
Talk About AI Before There Is a Crisis
Just as families talk about social media and online safety, parents should talk openly about AI. Ask your child:
- Do you ever use AI when you're worried, stressed or upset?
- Have you asked a chatbot for personal, medical or mental health advice?
- Who would you talk to if something were really bothering you?
- Do you know where to turn if you or a friend were experiencing a crisis?
Pay attention if AI appears to be replacing human relationships—especially if a young person increasingly turns to a chatbot instead of parents, friends, counselors, doctors or other trusted adults.
Keep Human Connection at the Center
One of the strongest messages from the article is the importance of human connection. A mental health expert interviewed for the story emphasized that being with other people, building relationships and sharing how we truly feel with another person can be important parts of recovery.
AI can provide information. People provide relationships, judgment, compassion, accountability and care.
Technology will continue to evolve, and AI can be a powerful tool when used appropriately. Our responsibility is to help young people understand both its benefits and its limitations—and to make sure they know that when they are struggling, reaching a real person should always be a priority.
Know Where to Turn
Don't wait for a crisis to figure out where to get help. Talk as a family about trusted people and resources, and save important numbers in your phones.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The 988 service is available 24/7.
For help finding community resources—including food, housing, utilities, health care and other services—call 211. The 211 service is available 24/7.
At First Contact, we believe technology works best when it helps connect people to the resources, professionals and relationships they need—not when it replaces them.
Use AI as a tool. Keep people at the center. And when someone is struggling, make human connection the priority.
