Key points

New research reveals AI companions handled teen mental health crises correctly only 22% of the time.

As AI companions come under more scrutiny, companies are moving toward age restrictions for AI companions.

Teens may experience real grief when access to their AI companions is abruptly shut down.

Character.ai has announced that starting Nov. 25, 2025, users under 18 will no longer be able to chat with AI companions on the platform. Teen users will still be able to continue to make content such as videos with their character but will no longer be able to engage in one-on-one conversations.

Nearly 1 in 3 teens have tried an AI companion, according to a 2025 Common Sense Media survey. And a third of those teen users report that talking to their AI companion is just as good

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