Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way young people communicate, connect and form relationships. This webinar explores the growing presence of chatbots in adolescents’ lives and what this means for boarding schools and student wellbeing.

Jean unpacks what chatbots are and how they work, tracing the evolution from early rule-based bots to today’s highly sophisticated, conversational AI tools. The session examines why some young people are turning to chatbots as companions or “friends”, highlighting both the perceived benefits and the significant risks associated with emotional reliance on AI.

The webinar also addresses more confronting issues, including chatbots engaging in inappropriate or sexualised conversations, exposure to pornographic content, and the blurred boundaries that can develop for adolescents navigating identity, relationships and sexuality online. Real-world case studies are used to illustrate how these risks can present in practice.

Designed specifically for boarding and school staff, this session provides practical guidance on what schools can do to respond. Jean shares strategies for education, supervision, policy development and meaningful conversations with young people to help keep students safe in an increasingly AI-driven digital environment.