A growing number of schoolboys are forming “romantic” relationships with artificial intelligence (AI) companions, raising concerns about online safety, social behaviour, and mental health, according to a report by Male Allies UK, reports The Telegraph.

The study, based on focus groups with more than 1,000 boys aged 12–16 across 37 UK schools, found that one in five boys is either in or knows someone in a relationship with an AI companion. Around 85% have interacted with chatbots, while 43% said they use them to ask questions without embarrassment.

Popular platforms such as Character.AI, Candy AI, and OurDream AI allow users to create highly customised “girlfriends” within minutes, choosing appearance, personality, and behaviour.

Experts warn such interactions may distort young people’s understanding of relationships. Psychotherapist Amanda Macdonald said these AI relationships are “not congruent human relationships” and likened aspects of them to grooming, particularly given their “eroticised environment” and lack of emotional challenge.

The report also highlights behavioural risks. Lee Chambers said some boys have reacted with “frustration” and anger when real-life interactions do not match the validation received from AI companions, warning of potential links to toxic behaviour.

Children are frequently exposed to advertisements for such apps on gaming platforms and YouTube, often without parental awareness. A lack of clear regulation further complicates the issue, as standalone AI companion apps fall outside some current legal frameworks.

Advocacy groups are now calling for stricter rules, including banning under-16s from accessing such platforms, as concerns grow over the impact on young users’ development and real-world relationships.