AI addiction & the new TikTok report

Hi friends,

All week our inbox has been full of parents reacting to our Instagram post about the violent online network, 764. We’ve heard everything from “I had NO idea” to “I’m so glad I know what to watch out for.” If that’s you, you’re not overreacting, and you’re not alone. 

That’s why we’re so passionate about pointing parents to Screen Sense, our plain-English guide for setting family tech foundations (expectations, boundaries, scripts, and safety checklists), plus lifetime weekly updates so you’re never playing catch-up when the internet invents a new curveball. If the 764 conversation stirred something up, start there. Breathe, get your footing, and build the plan that will carry you through this headline and the next. If you need more support, check out the Screen Sense Guide here.

—Cat & Nat

What AI addiction can look like in kids (and what to do)

Experts say AI addiction isn’t a formal diagnosis, but the problematic use patterns look a lot like other screen overuse, and they can seriously mess with daily life. This is all so new to us as parents, so here are the key red flags to watch for when it comes to your kids AI use:

• Withdrawal from friends; isolating more at home.

• Changes in family interactions; more time spent alone, door closed.

• Loss of interest in hobbies/activities they used to enjoy.

• Sleep or appetite changes; staying up late to keep chatting.

• School slide; missed work, slipping grades.

• Anxiety/irritability when access is limited or removed.

• Mood swings/behavior changes that don’t line up with typical teen ups/downs.

So, why is AI so good at hooking kids? It’s the never-ending conversations, hyper-personalized responses that “remember” details, and constant validation make chatbots feel like a perfect confidant. Teens seeking privacy/identity exploration are especially susceptible.

Who is most at risk: Teens with ADHD, anxiety, depression, social anxiety, or who feel isolated may lean on AI “companions” for support and then struggle to log off.

If you notice your kid is showing signs of addiction:

• Ask curious, open-ended questions (“What do you like about it? When do you use it most?”).

• Set clear, purposeful boundaries across media (not just AI), and use filters/parental controls where needed.

• Model healthy tech habits yourself.

• If the AI is a coping tool for bigger feelings (e.g., social anxiety), loop in your pediatrician/therapist and partner with school on AI literacy. Patience matters…this can take time.

TikTok’s search suggests porn to age-13 accounts

A new report has found that TikTok’s search suggestions pushed explicit content to brand-new accounts registered with a 13-year-old birthdate (even with Restricted Mode turned on) and that pornographic content was reachable within a few clicks. Researchers ran several tests and encountered pornography in all tests; they also flagged attempts to evade moderation (like when they found porn embedded inside other videos). TikTok has said it removed content and updated search suggestions, but the jury is still out on how effective this actually has been. 

If your kid is on TikTok, check in with their account tonight. Here’s what to do: 

• Open Search together and look at recent searches + what autocompletes when you type in certain terms.

• Turn on Family Pairing and revisit Restricted Mode. It’s still useful, but not perfect.

• Tap Report/Block on anything explicit; explain how one click can “teach” the algorithm the wrong lesson.

• You can also consider resetting your teen’s algorithm: 

  • In the TikTok app, tap Profile at the bottom. Then tap the Menu ☰ button at the top. Tap Settings and privacy, then Content Preferences. Next tap Refresh your For You feed and follow the steps on the screen.

We heard you after last week’s Girls’ Gift List, so here’s the Boys’ Gift List to make holiday shopping painless. Think: sporty crowd-pleasers, trending clothes, gadgets, and a few under-$25 wins they’ll actually use. Check it out here!

And because gifts don’t come with instructions for the internet, we’re doubling down on safety support, too. We’ve teamed up with Aura Parent, the tool that helps you spot changes in online habits, get gentle alerts, and set healthy limits without turning you into the screen police. If Screen Sense is your playbook, Aura is your day-to-day backup. We’ve got an exclusive offer for our community to harness the power of Aura at a discount. Check it out here!

—Cat & Nat