Wake Up Wednesday: AI Companions - 14 Oct 2026

AI companions are becoming increasingly popular with young people, but it's important to understand the potential risks. Apps such as Character.AI, Replika and Snapchat My AI can feel like real friendships, making it easier to overshare personal information or become overly reliant on virtual conversations.

This week's guide offers practical advice for parents and educators on supporting safe AI use, encouraging healthy offline relationships, and helping young people recognise the difference between AI interactions and real-life connections.