“It's just an AI chatbot.”

That may be how a child describes Linky AI. But for parents, that explanation leaves out an important question: What exactly can a child do inside the app, and what information or experiences could they encounter?

Linky AI is more than a basic question-and-answer chatbot. Its current app listings describe AI character interactions, different character personalities and themes, and conversational experiences. The iOS listing currently carries an 18+ age rating, while the Google Play listing provides a separate data-safety disclosure.

That doesn't automatically mean every interaction is harmful. It does mean parents should look beyond the word “AI” and understand how the app works before allowing a child to use it.

Is Linky AI Safe for Kids?

Parents should be cautious about allowing children to use Linky AI, particularly younger children.

The most important starting point is the app's current age classification. On the USA App Store listing, Linky AI is currently marked 18+ and includes in-app controls and purchases.

The Google Play listing also identifies Linky AI as a social app and provides a data-safety section indicating that the app may collect personal information and app activity and may share app activity and device or other IDs with third parties.

For parents, these details deserve attention before the conversation even gets to AI-generated content.

1. Linky AI Is Designed Around Character-Based Conversations

One reason children may find AI companion apps appealing is that they don't feel like traditional search engines.

Linky's App Store description says users can choose from a variety of AI characters with different voices, personalities and themes, including characters inspired by anime, games, films and history.

That can make conversations feel more personal and engaging.

For a child, however, the distinction between “I'm talking to software” and “I'm talking to someone who understands me” may not always be obvious.

Parents should explain that an AI character can imitate personality and conversation without actually being a human friend.

2. Age Ratings Should Not Be Treated as a Suggestion

Age ratings exist to help families understand whether an app is appropriate for a particular age group.

The current iOS listing for Linky AI shows an 18+ rating.

That should be one of the first things parents check before installing the app.

Age ratings can also differ between platforms, countries and versions. That's why parents 

shouldn't rely on an old screenshot, social-media recommendation or a friend's experience.

Check the current listing on the device your child actually uses.

3. Privacy Is Another Important Question

AI conversations can encourage users to share personal information because chatting feels informal.

A child might reveal:

• Their name
• School information
• Location
• Family details
• Personal problems
• Photos or other identifiable information

The Google Play listing currently states that Linky AI may collect personal information and app activity, while some app activity and device or other IDs may be shared with third parties. It also states that data is encrypted in transit and that users can request deletion.

Parents should therefore teach children a simple rule:

If you wouldn't give the information to a stranger, don't give it to an AI chatbot.

Children should never assume that an AI conversation is the same as a private conversation with a trusted adult.

4. AI Can Sound Confident Without Being Correct

Another issue isn't unique to Linky AI, but it matters whenever children interact with conversational AI.

AI can produce answers that sound convincing while still being inaccurate, incomplete or inappropriate.

This is especially important when children ask about:

• Health
• Relationships
• Safety
• Money
• Personal problems
• School information

TheOneSpy's broader AI safety guidance recommends teaching children to treat AI as a useful but imperfect tool and to verify important information with a reliable human source.

Parents don't have to make AI frightening. They simply need to make sure children understand that confidence isn't proof.

5. Social and Interactive Features Deserve Attention

The current Google Play listing categorizes Linky AI as a Social app.

That's important because parents should evaluate an AI app based on more than its chatbot function.

Ask:

• Can users interact with other users?
• What profile information is visible?
• Can users share content?
• What communication features are available?
• What controls exist for unwanted interactions?
• Can a child easily discover new characters or communities?

These features can change over time, so parents should periodically review the current app rather than relying on an old review.

6. In-App Purchases Can Turn Conversation Into Spending

Linky AI is listed as a free app with in-app purchases on Apple's App Store.

This creates another conversation parents should have with children.

A child may understand that downloading an app is free but not fully appreciate that digital memberships, credits, gifts or other features can involve real money.

Before allowing an AI app, parents should:

• Review its purchase options
• Use device-level purchase controls
• Avoid storing payment information where unnecessary
• Explain that virtual items can cost real money
• Require permission before purchases

7. AI Use Shouldn't Replace Real Relationships

Perhaps the most important issue isn't technical at all.

AI companions can be available whenever someone wants to talk. That convenience can become attractive to children and teenagers.

The concern begins when AI starts replacing normal activities rather than simply being another digital tool.

Parents should pay attention if AI use begins interfering with:

• Sleep
• Schoolwork
• Family time
• Hobbies
• Friendships
• Offline activities

TheOneSpy's broader research on AI companions similarly recommends watching for displacement—whether AI is beginning to replace real-world relationships and activities rather than simply being used as a tool.

What Should Parents Do If Their Child Already Uses Linky AI?

Don't start with punishment.

Start with a conversation.

Ask your child:

“What do you like about the app?”

Then:

“What kind of characters do you talk to?”

And:

“What information do you think an AI should never know about you?”

These questions can tell you much more than simply asking, “Are you using Linky?”

If the app isn't appropriate for your child's age, explain why rather than simply removing it without discussion.

A Simple Linky AI Safety Checklist for Parents

Before allowing a child to use any AI companion app, check:

☐ Current age rating
☐ Privacy/data-safety information
☐ In-app purchases
☐ Character and conversation features
☐ Social/community features
☐ Available parental controls
☐ Account and privacy settings
☐ What personal information the child might share
☐ How much time the child spends using it
☐ Whether AI is replacing offline activities

So, Should Parents Allow Children to Use Linky AI?

For younger children, the answer should be approached with particular caution, especially given the current 18+ iOS age rating.

For older teenagers, the decision should depend on the app's current age classification, features, privacy practices and the family's own digital-safety rules.

The important point is that “it's only AI” isn't a sufficient safety assessment.

Linky AI combines conversational AI, character-based interactions and social-app elements, while its current listings disclose data collection and in-app purchases.

Parents should therefore look at the whole experience—not just the chatbot.

Final Takeaway

AI companion apps are becoming part of the digital lives of children and teenagers. That makes digital literacy more useful than simply saying “AI is dangerous.”

Children should know that AI can be entertaining and useful while still having limitations.

They should also know:

AI isn't a trusted adult.
AI isn't a private diary.
AI isn't always correct.
And AI shouldn't replace real-world relationships.

For parents, the best approach is to combine age-appropriate boundaries, privacy awareness, open conversations and reasonable supervision.

The goal isn't to make children afraid of technology. It's to help them understand it well enough to use it safely.