Nicki Petrossi: AI Chatbots and Our Kids’ Mental Health

2026-02-18

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*This episode touches on suicide and self-harm and other dangers related to AI Chatbots. These topics may be difficult for some, listener discretion is advised. Resources below* In this episode, Nicki Petrossi, founder of the Scrolling 2 Death podcast and the Tech Safe Learning Coalition, breaks down the growing impact of AI chatbots and artificial intelligence on children’s mental health and development. From teens turning to AI for emotional support to the risks of isolation, harmful content, and misinformation, we unpack what parents need to understand about tools like ChatGPT and other chatbot p...

*This episode touches on suicide and self-harm and other dangers related to AI Chatbots. These topics may be difficult for some, listener discretion is advised. Resources below*

In this episode, Nicki Petrossi, founder of the Scrolling 2 Death podcast and the Tech Safe Learning Coalition, breaks down the growing impact of AI chatbots and artificial intelligence on children’s mental health and development. From teens turning to AI for emotional support to the risks of isolation, harmful content, and misinformation, we unpack what parents need to understand about tools like ChatGPT and other chatbot platforms.

Nicki also explains the major lawsuit against Big Tech companies over their role in youth mental health and child safety, and how whistleblowers have helped expose internal concerns about platform risks.

The conversation dives into AI in schools, education technology (EdTech), and the formation of the Tech Safe Learning Coalition- a movement pushing for greater transparency, parental rights, and stronger safeguards in the classroom.

If you’re concerned about AI, screen time, teen mental health, or how to advocate for safer technology policies in your child’s school, this episode offers both insight and practical steps to take action.

More About Nicki:

Nicki Petrossi is a former social media executive turned social media reform advocate. In late 2023, Nicki launched Scrolling 2 Death, a podcast for parents who are worried about social media. It’s a safe space to elevate the human experiences of children online and educate parents on how to keep them safe.

In 2025, Nicki launched Tech-Safe Learning Coalition, which supports parents related to issues with school tech, and The Heat is On, an investigative mini-series and parent movement to hold Big Tech accountable for harm to children.

Founder & Host, Scrolling 2 Death Podcast

Co-Founder, Tech-Safe Learning Coalition

Founder, S2D Foundation

https://www.scrolling2death.com/

https://www.scrolling2death.com/heat

If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. You are not alone.

CANADA:

Talk Suicide Canada Call or text 988 (Available 24/7 in English and French)

Kids Help Phone (youth & young adults)Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868

UNITED STATES:

Suicide & Crisis LifelineCall or text 988 (Available 24/7)

Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741