As an attachment-oriented clinical psychologist, my focus is always on enhancing the strength of the parent-child bond through evidence-based practices that help our kids thrive. Today, I’m sharing an important step I am taking to protect this foundation in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Recently, I signed an open letter to lawmakers and AI industry leaders raising concerns about the rapid rise of AI companion technologies for young people. While technology moves fast, human development happens at its own pace—and many of us in the clinical community are deeply concerned about how AI is impacting a child’s neural development and social-emotional growth.
On March 10, I will be in Albany for a public forum with New York State legislators. I will be standing alongside the authors of that letter, Dr. Nate Thoma and Dr. Mandy McLean, who partnered with Common Sense Media to facilitate this legislation. This bill has the backing of State Senator Kristen Gonzalez and the explicit support of Attorney General Letitia James. We want to elevate your voices, emphasize the critical problems that a lack of regulation has caused for our youth, and insist on putting mental health and child therapy Brooklyn first.
I want to ensure the voices of real families are heard by the people making our laws. If you have a story you would like me to share about how AI has negatively impacted your child’s development or the social and emotional wellbeing of your family, please send me an email at drbellet@bhbehavioralassociates.com.
These conversations about AI are unfolding rapidly. We must take every opportunity to offer insight and guidance regarding these protections, keeping mental health and development front and center.
You can read more about the legislation here: https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2026/kristen-gonzalez/state-senator-kristen-gonzalez-introduces-bill