FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Feb. 20, 2026
Contact: Ashwin Verghese, Communications Director, [email protected], 508-263-0289
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Fairplay, the leading national nonprofit committed to protecting children from Big Tech, is proud to announce it’s joining the launch of a coalition to combat the unique threat AI poses to human psychological health.
The AI Psychological Harms Research Coalition will seek to document and understand the emerging risks of AI, inform safer AI design and public policy, support clinicians in recognizing and treating AI-related health conditions, and more.
The coalition was founded by Zak Stein. Along with Fairplay, the coalition is supported by The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and UNC psychology and neuroscience professor Mitch Prinstein; the Center for Humane Technology and its co-founder Tristan Harris; and the Human Change Foundation.
Protecting Children from AI
Fairplay Staff Attorney Brendan Bouffard said: “Early research indicates that AI chatbots can have a profound effect on children’s psychological well-being. AI chatbots and toys have already caused serious harm, encouraging kids to hurt themselves and their families and inhibiting children’s healthy development.
“As Fairplay continues to work to pass legislation that will protect children from AI, we are excited to join this groundbreaking coalition that will provide pioneering research into the threat that AI poses.”
The coalition is just the latest effort Fairplay has undertaken to keep children safe from AI.
Last month, Fairplay joined over 70 other organizations to release the People-First Model Chatbot Bill, a comprehensive, common-sense framework to protect individuals as chatbots are increasingly embedded into everyday life.
Late last year, Fairplay also released the world’s first advisory to parents about the dangers of AI toys.
Share Your AI Experience
If you or someone you know has experienced significant changes in behavior, mood, or relationships after prolonged interaction with AI systems like ChatGPT or Google Gemini, the coalition encourages you to share your story.
You can submit your story to the coalition securely and anonymously, and it will be used exclusively for academic research. Participation is anonymous, voluntary, and takes about 10-15 minutes. It is only for adults ages 18 or older. You’ll be asked to share your story and answer a few short questions.
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About Fairplay
Fairplay is the leading nonprofit committed to helping children thrive in an increasingly commercialized, screen-obsessed culture, and the only organization dedicated to ending marketing to children. Fairplay works to enhance children’s well-being by eliminating the exploitative and harmful business practices of marketers and Big Tech. Learn more at www.fairplayforkids.org.