AI seriously endangers children's mental health

AI is in every aspect of our lives now, and regulation is not keeping up - children are at huge risk, writes Alex Cooney, Chief Executive of CyberSafeKids

Mark Zuckerberg is quoted as suggesting that chatbots could supplant the need for a therapist in the future. File photo: AP/Nic Coury

In March, Meta AI was quietly embedded into WhatsApp, reaching around three million Irish users — including an estimated 300,000 children under 16. 

There was no opt-out, no parental warning, and no meaningful public consultation. The rollout extended to Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger. Meta claims to have built-in safety checks — but regulators aren’t convinced, especially when it comes to protecting children.