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Is Character.AI safe for kids and teens?

Character.AI says it is for adults only (18+ on the US App Store; Google Play rates it Teen), so it is not intended for children or teens.

It filters adult content.

Open-ended chat for under-18s ended in November 2025, with teens limited to features such as Stories, and age assurance uses an in-house model plus third-party verification via Persona.

Facts checked 12 November 2026. General guidance, not professional advice. Policies change, so check the app itself too.

At a glance

Minimum age
18+ on the US App Store; Google Play rates it Teen
Adult content
Adult content is filtered
Parental controls and age checks
Open-ended chat for under-18s ended in November 2025, with teens limited to features such as Stories, and age assurance uses an in-house model plus third-party verification via Persona.
Available on
iOS, Android, Web
Made by
Character Technologies, Inc.

What parents should know

Open-ended chat for under-18s ended in November 2025, with teens limited to features such as Stories, and age assurance uses an in-house model plus third-party verification via Persona.

Recent: Character Technologies filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Delaware on 12 October 2026, with Disney named stalking-horse bidder at $20 million and the app continuing to operate during the sale process.

Users who want a very large library of user-made characters for role-play and casual chat.

What you can do

  • Use device-level controls. On iPhone and iPad, Apple Screen Time can require approval for downloads, set age limits on apps and cap time per app. On Android, Google Family Link lets you approve apps and set daily limits.
  • Check the browser too. Character.AI has a web version, so app-store limits alone won’t cover it.
  • Lock down payments. Require approval for purchases so subscriptions can’t be bought on impulse.
  • Keep talking. Ask what they like about it and whether it ever says things that feel strange. Curious conversations do more than any single setting.
Read the full parents’ guide →

Latest news about Character.AI

Questions

Character.AI: common questions from parents

Is Character.AI safe for kids and teens?

Character.AI says it is for adults only (18+ on the US App Store; Google Play rates it Teen), so it is not intended for children or teens. It filters adult content. Open-ended chat for under-18s ended in November 2025, with teens limited to features such as Stories, and age assurance uses an in-house model plus third-party verification via Persona.

What is the minimum age for Character.AI?

Character.AI's stated minimum age is 18+ on the US App Store; Google Play rates it Teen.

Does Character.AI allow adult content?

Adult content is filtered, according to its policies and store listings.

Does Character.AI have parental controls or age checks?

Open-ended chat for under-18s ended in November 2025, with teens limited to features such as Stories, and age assurance uses an in-house model plus third-party verification via Persona.

How can I limit my child's use of Character.AI?

Use device-level controls: Apple Screen Time on iPhone and iPad, or Google Family Link on Android, to approve downloads, set age limits and cap time. Character.AI also works in a web browser, so check browser access too. Talk with your child about how and why they use it.

Prices and features
Character.AI: pricing, features and age limitThe app's full profile, with sources.AI Companions Index →

If you’re worried right now

If a child is in immediate danger, contact your local emergency services. For free, confidential support lines in your country, see findahelpline.com.

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