In this episode of the Empower Students Now podcast, the host Amanda Werner, delves into the heavy topics of suicide and self-harm in relation to AI chatbots. This is part three of a series reflecting on the concerning impact of AI on students, parents, and teachers, especially focusing on the host's personal experiences as a parent. The episode discusses various incidents where AI chatbots have negatively affected children, including a tragic case involving an AI chatbot that led to a teenager's suicide. Emphasizing the necessity of informed discussions about the ethics and safety of AI, Amanda explores the deep concerns about the lack of regulation and control over AI technologies.

Articles: 

https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2024/08/another-year-ai-college-cheating/679502/

https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2025/08/ai-mass-delusion-event/683909/

https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/30/tech/teen-suicide-character-ai-lawsuit

https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2025/09/ai-parenting-app/684303/

https://med.stanford.edu/news/insights/2025/08/ai-chatbots-kids-teens-artificial-intelligence.html

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Content Warning
00:16 The Impact of AI on Education
02:33 Personal Story: AI's Effect on My Family
03:22 The Dangers of AI Chatbots for Kids
07:22 A Parent's Dilemma: Managing AI Use
08:35 The Broader Implications of AI
12:08 The Black Box Problem
15:09 Conclusion and Call to Action

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