Welcome to the forefront of conversational AI as we explore the fascinating world of AI chatbots in our dedicated blog series. Discover the latest advancements, applications, and strategies that propel the evolution of chatbot technology. From enhancing customer interactions to streamlining business processes, these articles delve into the innovative ways artificial intelligence is shaping the landscape of automated conversational agents. Whether you’re a business owner, developer, or simply intrigued by the future of interactive technology, join us on this journey to unravel the transformative power and endless possibilities of AI chatbots.
Dr. Katie Davis, co-director of the Center for Digital Youth at the University of Washington: Twenty years of research on the impact of digital technology on kids has led her to advocate for regulation around AI and youth.
May 4, 2026 — As tech companies continue to release untested and addictive chatbots in an unregulated landscape, one child development expert says it’s time for lawmakers to “pass robust legislation that really supports our families.”
Dr. Katie Davis, co-director of the Center for Digital Youth at the University of Washington, appeared on a recent episode of City Inside/Out, a public affairs show based in Seattle, to talk about her research into AI, kids, and digital health.
“I’ve been studying the impact of various technologies, particularly social media, on various aspects of children’s and teens’ development for over 20 years now,” Davis told Seattle Channel host Brian Callanan.
“We’ve learned a lot from the example of social media and [how government did not regulate] social media—and how difficult that’s been on teens and their families. It put all the onus on families to figure out how to regulate social media within the context of the family. I would really like to see us avoid that when it comes to AI.”
Davis appeared as part of a panel discussion on AI regulation that balances innovation with safety, especially when it comes to kids and the digital world. Joining her were State Sen. Lisa Wellman, co-author of Washington’s new chatbot safety law, and tech industry representative Amy Harris of the Washington Industry Technology Association.
“In our research at the Center for Digital Youth,” Davis explained, “we’re seeing some pretty disturbing [evidence of] emotional attachments that teens are forming to AI chatbots. In the most extreme cases that’s led to instances of suicide.”
“Teens are forming these emotional attachments at a time of life when they are particularly emotionally vulnerable. We don’t know yet what the long-term consequences of that will be, and so I think we really need to step in and regulate how AI is developed.”
David noted that “when it comes to figuring out how to introduce kids to different technologies—social media, the internet, cell phones, and now AI—a lot of those decisions fall to individual families.”
“I strongly believe that all of this responsibility should not be foisted solely on individual families,” she added. “These are very complicated situations and challenges we’re dealing with. And lawmakers need to pass robust legislation that really supports our families.”
Watch City Inside/Out: The full AI chatbot episode is available on The Seattle Channel here.
Advocate in your state: State lawmakers are trying to pass AI chatbot safety bills and they need your help. Parents make powerful advocates. Check out TCAI’s AI Legislation Tracker Map to see what’s happening in your state. For the most up-to-date news, see our weekly AI Legislative Update published every Friday morning.
Learn about chatbots and their risks for kids and teens.
WatchThe AI Doc with your family.
The popularity of AI-driven companion chatbots is skyrocketing, especially among American teenagers and young adults.
This guide is meant to inform lawmakers, industry leaders, developers, and thought leaders as they consider the best ways to safely and properly govern these powerful new AI products.
The recently released documentary is garnering rave reviews from parents and AI policy-makers, so two of our Transparency Coalition experts gave it a watch recently. Their verdict: Two thumbs up!
On a landmark day for AI safety and transparency, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson this morning signed two AI-related bills into law before a gathering of parents, advocates, and lawmakers in Olympia.
Transparency Coalition
HOME
LEARN
NEWS
ABOUT
KEY TERMS
TERMS OF USE
PRIVACY POLICY
Follow Us!
Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates.
© 2026 Transparency Coalition.ai. All Rights Reserved