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UNICEF Reports Children Use AI at Triple Adult Rate, Calls for Stronger Safeguards
On 30 June 2026, UNICEF unveiled startling new data showing that children are adopting artificial intelligence (AI) at a pace more than three times faster than adults, a trend that is already reshaping childhood worldwide in both positive and negative ways.
The United Nations Children’s Fund’s analysis of surveys conducted in ten countries found that at least 20 million children have interacted with AI. Of those, 13 million used the technology to support learning and homework, while 1 in 10 admitted turning to AI for advice on personal worries. UNICEF pointed out that children are exposed to AI systems, their underlying business models and data practices, yet possess little power to avoid or challenge them.
Safety concerns dominated respondents’ responses. A third of children surveyed expressed worries that AI could be used to scam, trick or spread misinformation, while a quarter feared that their images or videos might be manipulated into sexually explicit deepfakes. UNICEF described the situation as “too many systems reaching children with no guardrails – safety, seemingly, an afterthought.”
The statement arrived ahead of the first Global Dialogue on AI Governance, a United Nations‑anchored forum that will bring together governments, industry and civil society to discuss AI regulation. UNICEF urged governments, the private sector and partners to embed child rights in global AI governance, calling for investment in research on AI’s risks to children, stronger laws against AI‑enabled sexual exploitation, safe and transparent AI design, AI literacy programs and efforts to close the digital divide.
These findings add to a growing body of evidence that AI is increasingly woven into children’s everyday lives. While the technology offers opportunities—such as personalized tutoring and accessibility tools—it also introduces new risks. Deepfake generation tools, for instance, can produce convincing synthetic media that may be used for child sexual abuse or political manipulation.
Regulators in several jurisdictions have begun to tackle these challenges. The European Union’s AI Act, adopted in 2024, includes provisions that limit the deployment of high‑risk AI systems in contexts that could affect children. In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission has issued guidance on protecting minors from deceptive AI advertising.
UNICEF’s data underscore the urgency of aligning AI governance with child‑rights principles. The organization noted that children “feel the effects of weak governance first and will live with the consequences the longest.” Its call for stronger safeguards aligns with its broader mandate to protect children’s health, education and well‑being.
The Global Dialogue on AI Governance will take place in Geneva on 6–7 July 2026, alongside the World Summit on the Information Society and the ITU’s AI for Good Global Summit. Participants will discuss how to create inclusive, transparent and accountable AI systems.
At present, the situation remains fluid. UNICEF’s report highlights the rapid adoption of AI by children and the accompanying safety gaps. The upcoming dialogue is expected to shape international policy, while national governments and industry may accelerate the development of child‑safe AI tools and regulations.
The agency’s findings reinforce the need for coordinated action to protect children in an era of pervasive AI. The next steps will involve concrete policy proposals, investment in research and the establishment of technical safeguards to ensure that AI benefits children without exposing them to new harms.
The United Nations Children’s Fund’s analysis of surveys conducted in ten countries found that at least 20 million children have interacted with AI. Of those, 13 million used the technology to support learning and homework, while 1 in 10 admitted turning to AI for advice on personal worries. UNICEF pointed out that children are exposed to AI systems, their underlying business models and data practices, yet possess little power to avoid or challenge them.
Safety concerns dominated respondents’ responses. A third of children surveyed expressed worries that AI could be used to scam, trick or spread misinformation, while a quarter feared that their images or videos might be manipulated into sexually explicit deepfakes. UNICEF described the situation as “too many systems reaching children with no guardrails – safety, seemingly, an afterthought.”
The statement arrived ahead of the first Global Dialogue on AI Governance, a United Nations‑anchored forum that will bring together governments, industry and civil society to discuss AI regulation. UNICEF urged governments, the private sector and partners to embed child rights in global AI governance, calling for investment in research on AI’s risks to children, stronger laws against AI‑enabled sexual exploitation, safe and transparent AI design, AI literacy programs and efforts to close the digital divide.
These findings add to a growing body of evidence that AI is increasingly woven into children’s everyday lives. While the technology offers opportunities—such as personalized tutoring and accessibility tools—it also introduces new risks. Deepfake generation tools, for instance, can produce convincing synthetic media that may be used for child sexual abuse or political manipulation.
Regulators in several jurisdictions have begun to tackle these challenges. The European Union’s AI Act, adopted in 2024, includes provisions that limit the deployment of high‑risk AI systems in contexts that could affect children. In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission has issued guidance on protecting minors from deceptive AI advertising.
UNICEF’s data underscore the urgency of aligning AI governance with child‑rights principles. The organization noted that children “feel the effects of weak governance first and will live with the consequences the longest.” Its call for stronger safeguards aligns with its broader mandate to protect children’s health, education and well‑being.
The Global Dialogue on AI Governance will take place in Geneva on 6–7 July 2026, alongside the World Summit on the Information Society and the ITU’s AI for Good Global Summit. Participants will discuss how to create inclusive, transparent and accountable AI systems.
At present, the situation remains fluid. UNICEF’s report highlights the rapid adoption of AI by children and the accompanying safety gaps. The upcoming dialogue is expected to shape international policy, while national governments and industry may accelerate the development of child‑safe AI tools and regulations.
The agency’s findings reinforce the need for coordinated action to protect children in an era of pervasive AI. The next steps will involve concrete policy proposals, investment in research and the establishment of technical safeguards to ensure that AI benefits children without exposing them to new harms.
