UNICEF: Children adopt AI more than three times faster than adults

A new UNICEF analysis has found that children are embracing artificial intelligence at a much faster pace than adults, with millions using the technology for schoolwork and some seeking personal guidance, even as protections for young users remain limited.

The UN children's agency said at least 20 million children across 10 countries have already used AI, with adoption among young people occurring at more than three times the rate seen among adults, Caliber.Az reports, citing Euronews.

The report estimates that more than 2 million children, or roughly one in ten, use AI "for advice on things that worry them," while around 13 million rely on AI-powered tools to assist with homework and learning.

UNICEF warned that the rapid spread of the technology is outpacing regulatory efforts, leaving children particularly vulnerable.

"Children are more exposed to AI systems — including how they are designed, their underlying business models, and how their own data is used — yet have far less power to avoid or challenge them," the agency said, adding that "most AI governance does not prioritise children."

The organisation also cautioned that researchers are only beginning to understand AI's long-term impact on children.

"Evidence about its role in cognitive development, emotional dependency, and exposure to harm is just emerging," UNICEF said. "In effect, a generation is growing up inside a global experiment."

The analysis found that many children are themselves concerned about the risks associated with artificial intelligence.

According to the report, one-third of respondents across the surveyed countries expressed concern about AI being used "to scam and trick others, or spread misinformation," while one in four worried about their images or videos being altered into sexually explicit deepfakes.

UNICEF said many AI platforms continue to reach children without adequate safeguards, describing safety measures as "seemingly, an afterthought."

The findings were published ahead of the inaugural Global Dialogue on AI Governance at the United Nations.

UNICEF is calling on governments, technology companies and other stakeholders to ensure children's rights, particularly their right to safety and protection, are fully reflected in global AI governance frameworks.

Among its recommendations, the agency urged greater investment in research examining AI's impact on children's development, well-being and potential risks.

Describing the current period as "a decisive moment," UNICEF said that "the choices made about AI now will shape children's safety, privacy, well-being, and their equal access to opportunities for decades to come."

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov