Children are adopting artificial intelligence (AI) at a rate more than three times faster than adults, prompting fresh concerns over online safety and digital protection, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef).
Ahead of the first Global Dialogue on AI Governance, Unicef said AI has rapidly become part of children’s daily lives, bringing both opportunities and risks.
The agency estimates that at least 20 million children have already used AI technologies. Of those, more than two million, or roughly one in 10, said they turn to AI for advice about personal worries or problems.
Another 13 million children reported using AI to help with their studies, including completing homework and supporting their learning.
Despite their growing use of AI, Unicef warned that children have little control over how these systems are designed, how their personal data is collected or how the technology operates.
The organisation said children are often the first to experience the consequences of weak AI regulation and will be the ones living with its long-term impact.
The survey, conducted across 10 countries, also revealed growing concerns among young users. Around one-third of respondents said they were worried about AI being used to spread scams, deception and misinformation, while one in four feared their photos or videos could be manipulated into sexually explicit deepfakes.
Unicef cautioned that many AI platforms are reaching children without sufficient safeguards in place, arguing that safety measures are too often introduced only after the technology has already been widely adopted.
The agency urged governments, technology companies and international organisations to place children’s rights at the centre of global AI governance. Its recommendations include strengthening laws against AI-enabled child sexual exploitation, improving transparency in AI systems, investing in research on the technology’s impact on children, promoting AI literacy and narrowing the digital divide.
Unicef said decisions made today about regulating artificial intelligence will have a lasting impact on children’s safety, privacy, well-being and equal access to future opportunities.
