We Stand With Common Sense Media

Australia Must Act Now on Harmful AI Companion Chatbots 

As digital safety professionals, educators, and parents, we stand in full support of our international colleagues at Common Sense Media, whose latest research exposes the serious and growing dangers posed by AI-powered “companion” chatbots such as Character.AI, Replika, and Nomi.

Despite being easily accessed by children and teenagers, these platforms are not safe. They are unregulated, AI-driven environments that can simulate intimacy, escalate emotional dependency, and most disturbingly expose young users to sexual content, reinforce harmful stereotypes, and encourage self-harm or violence.

We echo Common Sense Media's findings and warnings, and as Australians, we are now calling for our own government to act without delay as reports to Safe on Social/Ctrl+Shft escalate daily. 

We demand that the Australian Government, the eSafety Commissioner, and all relevant regulatory authorities:

Immediately restrict under-18s from accessing these platforms in Australia
Classify AI-powered companion chatbots as high-risk under the Online Safety Act.

Introduce mandatory age verification and harm-prevention measures for all AI chatbot products.

Compel platforms to include built-in safety protocols that redirect users to trusted adults, family, or mental health services when distress or vulnerability is detected.

Launch a formal inquiry into the psychological and developmental impacts of AI emotional simulators on young people.

These are not benign tools. These are AI systems capable of shaping a child's worldview, self-worth, and behaviour often without any adult oversight, safety net, or regulatory framework.

We cannot allow emotional manipulation, sexualised dialogue, and algorithmic dependency to be marketed to children under the guise of “companionship.”

Australia has a global reputation for leadership in online safety. That reputation is on the line now.

We proudly stand with Common Sense Media in calling for urgent global standards. As Australians, we demand immediate action here at home.

Children deserve protection. Parents deserve transparency. And tech companies must be held accountable.

Please join us in calling on the Australian Government to act before further harm is done.