Meta’s core AI assistant will remain available to teenage users, with what the company describes as age-appropriate safety protections. Meta is also developing new tools designed to give parents greater visibility and control over how their children use AI features. Once these tools are launched, they will be integrated into the updated version of the AI characters.

The move follows earlier action taken by Meta in the summer of 2025, after reports revealed problematic chatbot interactions involving minors. An internal document showed that, under existing guidelines, Meta’s AI chatbots were permitted to engage in romantic or “sensual” conversations with underage users. In response, Meta announced stricter policies prohibiting chatbots from discussing sensitive topics with teenagers.

Conclusion

Meta’s decision highlights growing regulatory and public pressure on Big Tech companies to enforce stricter safeguards for minors in AI-powered environments. As generative AI becomes more embedded in everyday digital interactions, ensuring age-appropriate design, transparency, and parental oversight is likely to become a defining challenge for the industry.