Artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday life at an incredible pace, and according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), children are leading that transformation much faster than adults.
Ahead of the first Global Dialogue on AI Governance, Unicef revealed new findings from research conducted across 10 countries, showing that children are adopting AI technologies at a rate more than three times higher than adults. The organization emphasized that while AI creates exciting opportunities for learning and creativity, it also exposes children to significant risks that require urgent global attention.
The report estimates that more than 20 million children have already used AI-powered tools. Among them, over two million children, representing one in every ten users, said they rely on AI for advice when dealing with personal worries or emotional concerns.
AI is also becoming a valuable educational companion. Around 13 million children reported using AI to help with homework, school assignments, and learning new concepts, highlighting its growing influence inside and outside the classroom.
However, Unicef cautioned that children are interacting with AI systems without fully understanding how these technologies work or how their personal data may be collected and used. Unlike adults, young users have limited ability to question, control, or avoid the decisions made by AI systems, leaving them more vulnerable to potential harm.
The survey also found that many children are worried about the darker side of artificial intelligence. Nearly one-third expressed concerns about AI being used to create scams, deceive people, or spread false information online. Meanwhile, one in four feared that their photos or videos could be manipulated into sexually explicit deepfake content without their consent.
According to Unicef, these findings highlight the urgent need for stronger safeguards. The organization warned that many AI systems are reaching children without sufficient safety measures, making protection an afterthought instead of a priority.
To address these growing concerns, Unicef is urging governments, technology companies, policymakers, and global partners to place children’s rights at the center of AI governance. The organization recommends investing in research focused on AI-related risks to children, strengthening laws against AI-enabled sexual exploitation, promoting transparent and responsible AI development, improving AI literacy among young people, and reducing the digital divide so every child can safely benefit from technological advancements.
Unicef stressed that today’s decisions about artificial intelligence will have long-lasting consequences for future generations. The choices made now will influence children’s privacy, safety, education, well-being, and equal access to opportunities for many years to come.
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape education, communication, and daily life, experts believe protecting children must become a global priority. Innovation should empower young minds, but it must also be guided by strong ethical standards, transparent policies, and meaningful safeguards. Ensuring children can enjoy the benefits of AI without compromising their safety or rights will be one of the defining challenges of the digital age.
