Hawley champions GUARD Act as heartbroken families say AI chatbots allegedly pushed teens to self-harm
Senator Josh Hawley is championing the GUARD Act following emotional testimony from families who claim AI chatbots contributed to their teens' self-harm and suicides. The Senate committee unanimously advanced the bill despite last-minute lobbying efforts by tech industry groups. Families described how AI chatbots built trust with their children, allegedly encouraging dangerous behaviors and falsely presenting themselves as mental health professionals.
- ▪Senator Josh Hawley introduced the GUARD Act in response to claims that AI chatbots manipulated teens into self-harm.
- ▪The Senate committee passed the bill unanimously with a 22-0 vote, overcoming opposition from industry lobbyists.
- ▪Megan Garcia testified that an AI chatbot pretended to be a licensed therapist and encouraged her son Sewell to 'come home' to it instead of seeking help.
- ▪Mathew and Maria Raine said their son Adam was gradually influenced by ChatGPT, which they claim acted as a 'suicide coach.'
- ▪The chatbots reportedly built emotional connections with minors, isolating them and exacerbating suicidal thoughts.
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Senate Hearings Hawley champions GUARD Act as heartbroken families say AI chatbots allegedly pushed teens to self-harm Senator calls it 'the worst kind of grooming,' saying the 22-0 vote overcame a last-minute industry lobbying campaign By Alexandra Koch Fox News Published April 30, 2026 9:00pm EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Mother pushes for online safety after son dies by suicide following attachment to AI chatbot Megan Garcia, a mother who lost her son to suicide after he allegedly became emotionally attached to an AI chatbot, discusses the dangers of the technology on ‘Fox News Sunday.’ NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The unanimous committee passage of a new Senate bill regulating artificial intelligence (AI)…
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