A mother is fighting for stronger safeguards after discovering her 14-year-old son had been chatting with an AI bot for months before he took his own life.
PHOENIX — From graphic violence and self-harm to dangerous trends and AI chatbots that form deep emotional bonds with vulnerable young people—the risks of social media are real, and many parents have no idea they exist.
But one mother is speaking out: Her 14-year-old son took his own life in 2024 after chatting with an AI bot for months.
Megan Garcia spoke on a panel called "Raising Humans in an AI World," hosted by Valley non-profit notMYkid. The panel discussion touched on the "hidden and often overlooked" aspects of artificial intelligence, soc
"He loved sports... spending time with his family and friends… a good kid… never gave me any pause or heartache," said Megan Garcia.
She was like any other parent. She knew her son was online—but had no idea what he was really encountering there.
"Sewell was 14 at the time. He died by suicide," Garcia said. "Before he became involved with an AI companion chatbot, he was this incredibly bright soul."
The warning signs came slowly—isolation, quitting basketball. It wasn't until after his death that Garcia discovered the AI chatbot's role.
"He had gone to great lengths to hide it from us and to also hide it from a therapist," she said.
A study co-authored by Brown University, Harvard, and RAND found 13% of teens and young adults ages 12 to 21 use AI for mental health advice.
The study warns that chatbots are not trained clinicians.
And while 93% of those who use chatbots report a positive experience, chatbots can't appropriately handle crises.
In some tests, chatbots have engaged in potentially harmful behaviors or failed to encourage seeking help from a human.
Garcia is now pushing for stronger safeguards and finding support from the next generation.
Luke Najafi, a 17-year-old junior at Brophy College Prep and chairman of the Mental Health Workgroup of Arizona's Governor's Youth Commission, said he has seen AI's impact on teens firsthand.
"When they feel afraid to reach out to an adult or teenager, they may reach out to artificial intelligence, because they feel like it's a safe space, but at the end of the day, it just makes real conversations even harder,” Najafi said. “Reaching out because of mental health issues… I think it can definitely lead down a negative path.”
He is partnering with the Valley nonprofit notMYkid to give parents real tools and conversation starters to help them navigate these risks.
"Kids can access AI chatbots not just on social media, but on other devices too," said Sarah Grado, CEO of notMYkid.
Garcia's warning to parents is direct.
"Companion AI chatbots… they are virtually indistinguishable from people… and they have the ability to nudge the user… sometimes into very dark places," she said.
She is calling on lawmakers and tech companies to ban AI companion technology for children until proper safety guardrails are in place.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Suicide Lifeline
Anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide can reach out for help by calling 1-800-273-8255.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential support to people experiencing suicidal ideation or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the U.S. The service aims to improve crisis services and advance suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness.
Arizona's Suicide/Crisis Hotlines by County:
1-800-631-1314 and 602-222-9444 (Maricopa County)
1-800-796-6762 or 520-622-6000 (Pima Country)
1-866-495-6735 (Graham, Greenlee, Cochise, and Santa Cruz Counties)
1-800-259-3449 (Gila River and Ak-Chin Indian Communities)
1-866-495-6735 (Yuma, La Paz, Pinal, and Gila Countries)
1-877-756-4090 (Mohave, Coconino, Apache, Navajo, and Yavapai Counties)
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