Artificial intelligence chatbot could help NC students with mental health support

School leaders in Cumberland County are using Artificial Intelligence to help students deal with mental health issues.

Kiwi the Llama is an AI chatbot developed by mental health professionals that provides around-the-clock mental health support. The app was developed by Alongside, a company that partners with schools to combat youth mental health crisis.

Students can log on and have private chats with Kiwi about things that are troubling them.

It's already helped one student who was having a panic attack on campus.

"My best friend happened to be there with me, and she was just checking on me making sure I was ok," said Jessica Fikes, a student at 71st High School. "It was fine. And then I got a little alone time later, and I started using the app. The app gave me ways to help calm myself down."

Parental involvement and permission to use the app are required. The app is designed to help students in grades 6 through 12.