Psychologist Dr Carrie Mackensen has warned parents that AI chatbots are “built to agree” with children, and that this constant validation can quietly harm their development. She made the remarks ahead of her session at the Raising Kids in the Age of AI conference on October 5.

Dr Mackensen, founder of Successful Parent and author of the upcoming book Digitally Dysregulated, says children now turn to chatbots for homework help, advice, comfort and even companionship. Unlike parents or teachers, she notes, these tools are available round the clock and designed to agree.

Her session, “How AI Undermines the Developing Brain, Your Kid’s Sense of Self, and Your Relationship”, examines what frictionless validation does to a child’s thinking skills, identity and attachment to family.

She suggests parents ask two questions before letting AI into a child’s life: “Is it supporting my child’s development, or replacing it? Is it strengthening our relationship, or taking its place?” The free virtual conference runs October 5 to 7.