At BeWellATL, we’re always tracking emerging trends that impact the mental health of young people. A recent NPR Life Kit podcast highlighted a growing concern: teens are increasingly turning to AI chatbots for emotional support. While this technology is still evolving, it raises important questions about how teens are navigating emotional challenges in a digital world.

Q: What is happening with teens and AI chatbots?

NPR reports that a growing number of teens are using AI chatbots for mental health advice and emotional support. Because these tools are private and available 24/7, it can feel easier for teens to engage with AI instead of their peers or adults. While these tools may feel supportive, they are not a substitute for real-world relationships or professional care.

Q: Why are experts concerned?

AI chatbots are not trained clinicians and cannot assess mental health risk or provide appropriate care. Because they often respond in highly validating ways, AI chatbots can also reinforce negative thinking patterns, which is unhelpful at best and dangerous at worst for vulnerable young people. The false sense of connection can also prevent teens from seeking help from trusted people.

Q: What should parents take from this?

The NPR podcast emphasizes the importance of staying curious rather than alarmed: AI tools are becoming part of teen life, and adults must help teens use technology thoughtfully.

Parents are encouraged to:

• Ask your teens how they are using AI tools
• Understand what needs those interactions may be meeting
• Reinforce the value of real-life relationships and support systems
• Encourage balance, not restriction

Q: How is BeWellATL responding?

Building on these concerns, ‘Smart & Affirming Choices: Technology Edition’ was created as a strengths-based program for middle schoolers and their parents. It focuses on building awareness, confidence, and balance in how families engage with technology, supporting healthier habits without relying on fear, shame, or restriction. Through interactive, real-life scenarios, participants learn how tech impacts the brain, mood, relationships, and decision-making. The program helps students recognize patterns like overuse, comparison, and distraction, while also identifying when technology is helpful and connecting.

Smart & Affirming Choices addresses AI use directly, helping teens and parents understand that while tools like chatbots may feel supportive, they are not a substitute for real connection or care. Emphasis is placed on using AI as a tool, not a replacement for thinking or relationships, while strengthening critical thinking and real-world support systems.

Offered as a component of BeWellATL, Smart & Affirming Choices: Technology Edition is available in schools, synagogues, or in your own living room. Reach out to Jessica Sacks, BeWellATL Manager, at jsacks@jfcsatl.org to learn more, and learn more about BeWellATL’s work to equip families, educators and community members to support teen mental health here.