What may be happening
Children and teens can form strong feelings toward characters, games, creators, and now AI companions. Sometimes "best friend" means the AI is fun, predictable, or a place to practice talking. It becomes more concerning if the child is withdrawing from people, sharing private information, becoming distressed when separated from the AI, or believing the AI should be trusted more than safe adults.
What can help
Try saying, "Tell me what you like about it," instead of starting with criticism. Listen for the need underneath the attachment: loneliness, social anxiety, grief, bullying, identity questions, or a wish to be understood. Then build a bridge back to real connection. Schedule offline time, invite friends or activities, create device-free sleep routines, and make clear that unsafe, scary, or sexual conversations should come to a trusted adult.
When to get support
Get support if your child becomes isolated, secretive, unusually fearful, obsessed with the AI, or unable to tolerate limits. Also pay attention if the AI relationship is connected to depression, self-harm, abuse, or exploitation. A school counselor, pediatrician, therapist, or crisis service can help you respond without turning the AI into a bigger conflict.