UNICEF warns millions of children rely on AI for advice and learning
The UN agency finds that regulation is failing to keep pace with rapid adoption, leaving children exposed to emerging digital risks and vulnerabilities.
Millions of children worldwide are already using AI for learning, problem-solving and personal guidance, according to UNICEF, which warns that safeguards are not keeping pace with adoption. Data collected across 10 countries suggests that at least 20 million children have used AI tools, with adoption rates significantly higher than among adults.
UNICEF estimates that around 13 million children use AI to support schoolwork, while approximately two million turn to it for advice on personal concerns. The organisation warns that AI is becoming embedded in children’s lives faster than safeguards and oversight mechanisms are being developed.
Young users also reported concerns about misinformation, scams and AI-generated deepfakes. UNICEF is calling on governments and technology companies to strengthen regulation, improve digital literacy and ensure AI systems are designed with children’s rights and safety in mind.
Why does it matter?
The findings suggest that AI is already becoming part of children’s everyday lives, influencing how they learn, seek information and even look for personal support. As adoption accelerates, the gap between technological use and effective safeguards could expose young users to misinformation, manipulation, privacy risks and other online harms.
The report also highlights the growing importance of child-centred AI governance. Decisions made now on regulation, digital literacy and safety-by-design are likely to shape how future generations interact with AI, making children’s rights an increasingly important consideration in global AI policy.
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