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Singapore, 25 June 2026 – Microsoft has officially launched Behind The Chat: A Human Guide to Safe AI Conversations, a new set of scenario-based digital safety resources designed to help teens build healthy and intentional habits when engaging with AI companions and chatbots.
As AI becomes increasingly integrated into young people’s daily lives, digital safety is becoming core to AI literacy. Safe, responsible and informed use of AI is fundamental – not separate – to building AI skills. Behind The Chat helps young people explore what it means to use AI thoughtfully, while supporting parents, caregivers and educators with practical ways to start conversations at home and in school.
Developed in partnership with Cyberlite and supported by the Infocomm Media Development Authority’s (IMDA) Digital for Life movement, the resources are informed by youth co-design workshops with 131 students aged 12 to 18 across nine schools in Singapore and India. The workshops were designed to hear directly from young people about how they are using and thinking about AI companionship, and to understand what kind of guidance would feel useful, relevant and engaging to them.
The workshops found that:
Mike Jackson, Microsoft’s Chief Digital Safety Officer said: “AI is already part of how young people learn, create and connect. Our responsibility is to help them build the digital literacy skills they need to use it safely, thoughtfully and with confidence. Behind The Chat was shaped by youth voices and designed to meet teens, parents and educators where they are, with relatable scenarios that make it easier to talk about privacy, overreliance, emotional resilience and critical thinking.”
“With AI becoming increasingly pervasive in youths’ everyday lives, it is essential to educate them on safe AI use and healthy digital habits. We are pleased to see grounds-up efforts by our DfL partners supporting the DfL movement through developing useful resources that help youths and their families build digital literacy skills around AI tools. IMDA is committed to amplifying these resources to benefit more youths and families”, said Simon Lee, Director, Digital Literacy & Wellness, Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).
Michelle Yao, co-founder of Cyberlite, said: “The young people who helped co-design this resource were incredibly thoughtful and aware of how AI is shaping their lives. They were clear about how useful AI tools can be, but just as clear about wanting it to help them work and learn without letting it think for them. Their insights shaped Behind The Chat, because guidance built with young people rather than just for them is much more impactful when they have helped decide what matters.”
How to Use the Resources
Behind The Chat follows three fictional teen stories, each exploring a different aspect of AI companionship and chatbot use. The stories cover privacy and oversharing, dependency and decision-making, emotional attachment, and how to think critically about AI outputs. Each scenario is designed to create a safe distance for discussion, allowing young people to engage with complex digital safety topics without having to disclose anything personal about themselves.
The resources also include supporting guides for parents and educators, providing conversation starters, classroom prompts and practical ways to help teens reflect on how they use AI – whether for schoolwork, advice, emotional support or everyday tasks.
Through the resources, Microsoft and Cyberlite aim to help young people understand that AI can be a useful tool, but it cannot replace human judgment, relationships or real support. Healthy AI use requires critical thinking, responsible decision-making and knowing when to turn to real people.
Read the full report ‘What Teens Say About AI Companionship’ and access the Behind The Chat resources in a fun ”scrollytelling” format here.
About Microsoft
Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. The technology company is committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
About Cyberlite
Cyberlite (Cyberlite.org) is a leading education organisation that empowers children, youths, parents, and educators to thrive in the digital age. Through our award-winning programmes, innovative curriculum (the Internet Independent Framework), and open-access resources, we deliver cyber wellness and AI literacy education at scale across Asia Pacific. Working with schools, governments, and industry partners, our mission is to equip communities with the skills and confidence to build safer, more resilient online spaces.