UNICEF urges child-focused AI governance

UNICEF has called for child rights to be placed at the centre of AI governance, warning that children are adopting AI technologies faster than adults while safeguards struggle to keep pace. Ahead of the first Global Dialogue on AI Governance, UNICEF said AI is already reshaping childhood worldwide, creating significant opportunities alongside new risks.

Based on data from 10 countries, UNICEF estimates that at least 20 million children have used AI, with adoption rates in many cases more than three times higher than among adults.

More than 2 million children, or one in 10, said they use AI for advice on things that worry them. An estimated 13 million children reported using AI to support learning and homework.

UNICEF warned that governance frameworks, including safeguards for children, are failing to keep pace with rapid AI adoption. The organisation said children are more exposed to AI systems, business models and data practices, while having less power to avoid or challenge them.

UNICEF said most AI governance frameworks do not adequately prioritise children’s interests, despite young people being among those most likely to experience the long-term consequences of today’s policy decisions. While AI can support learning, creativity and play, evidence on its effects on cognitive development, emotional well-being and exposure to harm is still emerging.

The organisation also highlighted children’s own concerns. Across the 10 countries surveyed, one-third worried about AI being used for scams or misinformation, while one-quarter feared their images or videos could be manipulated into sexually explicit deepfakes. UNICEF warned that too many AI systems are reaching children without adequate safeguards.

UNICEF called on governments, the private sector and partners to embed child rights in global AI governance, with a particular focus on safety and protection.

The organisation urged investment in research on AI’s impact on children’s development and wellbeing, stronger laws and corporate accountability to stop AI-enabled sexual exploitation and abuse, and AI systems designed with maximum safety and transparency.

UNICEF called on governments and technology companies to embed children’s rights into AI governance through stronger legal protections, corporate accountability and safety-by-design. It also urged greater investment in research, AI literacy for children and caregivers, and digital infrastructure to reduce inequalities in access. According to UNICEF, decisions made today will shape children’s safety, privacy, wellbeing and opportunities for decades to come.

Why does it matter?

Children are becoming some of the earliest and most frequent users of AI, yet governance frameworks, research and safety measures remain underdeveloped. As AI increasingly influences how children learn, communicate and seek information, gaps in protection could expose them to misinformation, exploitation, privacy risks and harmful content during critical stages of development.

The report also reinforces a broader shift in AI governance towards rights-based policymaking. By arguing that children’s interests should be considered from the design stage through deployment and regulation, UNICEF is framing child protection not as a niche issue but as a core principle for trustworthy AI.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!