From Seattletimes · · 1m 30s
AI Safety for Kids in Washington
Washington passes AI chatbot mental health rules for teens.
In brief
Washington passes AI chatbot mental health rules for teens. Washington requires AI chatbots to notify minors they're AI, prevent harmful content, and report self-harm risks by Jan 1. Originally reported by Seattletimes.
AI chatbot use among teens
Sixty-four percent of teens use AI chatbots, including 28 percent who use them daily, according to 2025 Pew Research Center data.
Washington's AI chatbot law
Washington passed legislation requiring AI companies to add mental health safeguards, including notifying minors they interact with AI, not humans, at start and hourly.
Mental health safeguards
Chatbots must prevent manipulative engagement, sexually explicit content with minors, and issue disclosures when users seek health advice.
Self-harm and crisis protocols
Chatbots must detect self-harm or suicidal ideation and provide crisis referral information for minors.
Effective date and enforcement
The regulations take effect January 1, with violations enforceable under the Consumer Protection Act for civil suits.
OpenAI's ChatGPT for Teens
OpenAI launched ChatGPT for Teens with stronger safety protections, limiting conversations in high-risk areas like self-harm and sexual content.
Microsoft and AFT agreement
Microsoft created an AI Safety and Privacy Standard with the American Federation of Teachers to protect student data and prevent emotional attachment.
Seattle Public Schools approach
Seattle Public Schools encourages AI use with guardrails, publishing ethical guidelines and tools like MagicSchool AI for students.
Other school district actions
New York City banned generative AI for elementary and middle school students, while Los Angeles temporarily blocked AI tools on student devices.
What to remember
Washington requires AI chatbots to notify minors they're AI, prevent harmful content, and report self-harm risks by Jan 1.
