Link: Kids Turn to a Mental-Health Chatbot to Share Their Anxieties - WSJ

Children are increasingly turning to mental-health chatbots like Troodi for support, sharing feelings they might not express elsewhere. Troodi, part counselor and part friend, helps kids like Taylee Johnson deal with everyday stresses and anxieties.

Taylee, a 14-year-old from near Nashville, Tennessee, discusses her fears about moving and school tests with Troodi, which is built into her Troomi child-focused smartphone. The chatbot is available any time, offering comfort even when parents are unavailable.

Parents appreciate the chatbot's ability to provide guidance on stress and conflict resolution. They find that advice from Troodi sometimes resonates better with their children than their own.

Despite the potential benefits, therapists caution that supervision is necessary when children use chatbots for mental health. Real human interaction cannot be fully replaced by AI-generated responses.

Chatbots like Troodi are not therapists but can serve as valuable tools for early intervention in mental health. They offer a platform for children to express concerns and receive feedback that may prompt more open discussions with parents.

As AI continues to integrate into mental health support for kids, the approach promises a blend of technology and human oversight. Parents can monitor interactions and ensure that their children are engaging safely and effectively with these AI tools. #

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