Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a part of children’s daily lives, creating new opportunities for learning and creativity while raising serious concerns about safety, privacy, and online protection, according to UNICEF.
In a statement released ahead of the first Global Dialogue on AI Governance, UNICEF said AI is already transforming childhood worldwide, with new evidence revealing both the scale of children’s adoption of the technology and the growing risks associated with its use.
Millions of Children Are Already Using AI
Drawing on new data from 10 countries, UNICEF estimates that at least 20 million children have used Artificial Intelligence, with young people adopting the technology at rates more than three times faster than adults.
The findings show that AI is increasingly becoming part of children’s everyday activities.
According to the analysis:
- More than 2 million children (around 1 in 10) said they use AI for advice about personal concerns and problems.
- Approximately 13 million children reported using AI to help with learning, schoolwork, and homework.
UNICEF said the rapid adoption of AI highlights both its educational potential and the urgent need for stronger safeguards.
AI Governance Is Struggling to Keep Pace
UNICEF warned that while children’s use of AI continues to grow rapidly, the legal and regulatory frameworks governing AI have failed to keep pace.
The organization said children are increasingly exposed to AI systems, including how they are designed, the business models behind them, and how their personal data is collected and used.
Despite being among the most affected users, children have limited ability to understand, avoid, or challenge these systems.
UNICEF stressed that most current AI governance frameworks do not adequately prioritize children’s rights or protection.
Opportunities Come With Emerging Risks
While AI offers significant opportunities for education, creativity, and entertainment, UNICEF cautioned that evidence regarding its long-term effects on children’s cognitive development, emotional well-being, and exposure to harmful content is still emerging.
The organization described the current situation as one in which an entire generation is effectively “growing up inside a global experiment.”
UNICEF emphasized that more research is needed to fully understand AI’s impact on child development.
Children Express Growing Concerns About AI
The report also found that children themselves recognize many of the risks associated with Artificial Intelligence.
Among respondents across the 10 countries:
- One-third expressed concern that AI could be used to create scams, deceive people, or spread misinformation.
- Around one-quarter feared their images or videos could be manipulated into sexually explicit deepfakes.
UNICEF warned that too many AI systems remain accessible to children without adequate safety measures or built-in protections.
UNICEF Calls for Child-Centered AI Governance
Ahead of the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, UNICEF has urged governments, technology companies, and international partners to place children’s rights at the center of AI regulation and development.
The organization called for:
- Greater investment in research examining AI’s impact on children’s development and well-being.
- Stronger laws and corporate accountability to combat AI-enabled sexual exploitation and abuse.
- AI systems designed with maximum safety, transparency, and child protection.
- Improved AI literacy programs for children, parents, and caregivers.
- Increased investment in digital infrastructure and meaningful internet connectivity to reduce the AI divide between and within countries.
A Critical Moment for the Future of AI
UNICEF concluded that decisions being made today regarding Artificial Intelligence will have lasting consequences for children’s safety, privacy, education, and equal access to opportunities.
The organization emphasized that embedding child rights into global AI governance is essential to ensuring future generations can safely benefit from technological innovation while minimizing potential harm.