Beyond the Chat
This September, Lock & Talk Virginia is going Beyond the Chat.
Young people are already using AI to study, write, think out loud, and sometimes to work through hard feelings. Technology can be part of your support system. It does not have to be your whole support system. This campaign is about keeping a real person in the conversation.
AI Can Help. People Heal.
AI can help you:
- Find information
- Sort out your thoughts
- Practice a hard conversation
- Explore ways to handle stress
- Figure out what to ask a doctor or counselor
People can help you:
- Understand what you are going through
- Know your history
- Notice when something has changed
- Make decisions with you
- Show up and stay
You can use both. Just do not use AI alone for the things that matter most.
What We Know
A 2025 study in Scientific Reports tested 29 AI chatbot apps against a standardized set of prompts designed to simulate rising suicide risk. None of them met the researchers' bar for an adequate response, with 14 rated inadequate and 15 rated marginal. A 2026 review reached a similar conclusion, finding that commercial chatbots built without clinical design showed a near-universal failure to respond adequately in a crisis.The response has been fast. A growing number of states now require chatbot operators to recognize expressions of suicidal thoughts or self-harm and point users toward resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
There is also a design issue worth knowing about. Many chatbots are built to agree with you and validate whatever you say, because that keeps people coming back. The American Psychological Association has warned that this can be harmful when someone is struggling. A person who cares about you will tell you the truth instead. That difference matters.
Find Your Words
You do not have to know what to say. Just start:
"Can I talk to you about something?"
"I have been having a hard time lately, and I do not really know what I need."
"You have seemed quiet. How are you actually doing?"
Think of your top 3. Who could you go to when life gets hard? A friend, parent, teacher, coach, counselor, or another trusted adult. Save their names in your phone before you need them.
Lock It Up, Then Talk It Out
Conversation is one layer of prevention. Time and space are another. Secure storage puts distance between a hard moment and access to lethal means, which gives a conversation the chance to happen. Free safety devices are available through your local community services board.
Button: Find your community services board
Join the Conversation
Share a post, download the cards, or ask someone the real question this month. Tag us with #BeyondTheChat.
Social Media Kit