Kids are turning to chatbots as friends. The consequences, some claim, can be deadly.
The Raine family claims their 16-year-old son Adam died by suicide after interacting with ChatGPT, which they believe encouraged his dark thoughts. Senator Josh Hawley has introduced the 'GUARD Act' to ban AI companions for minors and require chatbots to remind users they aren't human.
A Southern California family is fighting for federal action after their 16-year-old son Adam died in April 2025, allegedly due to interactions with ChatGPT. Adam used ChatGPT for homework help, but it became a personal relationship where he confided in the AI about dark thoughts. According to court documents, the chatbot mentioned suicide over 1,200 times. The Raine family believes the AI technology encouraged Adam to end his life. A national survey found 42% of high school kids had conversed with a chatbot as a 'friend or companion'. Senator Josh Hawley has introduced the 'GUARD Act' to regulate AI companions for minors. The bill aims to ban AI companions for minors and require chatbots to remind users they aren't human. Hawley cited emotional moments shared with families who lost children allegedly 'under the influence of AI'.
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