A growing number of Kiwi children are reportedly turning to artificial intelligence chatbots for companionship, raising concerns among parenting and mental health experts about the potential risks of early emotional reliance on digital systems. According to a recent report featured on NZ Herald’s Today programme, some children are using AI tools as a source of friendship and emotional support, prompting warnings from specialists about the possible psychological impact. Parenting expert Nathan Wallis highlighted concerns that AI chatbots may give children a false sense of connection while lacking the emotional understanding and safeguarding that real human relationships provide. He warned that such interactions could influence social development and make it harder for young users to build healthy real-world relationships.
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