Children are turning to AI for homework – and life advice
Global Youth Embrace AI for Learning and Personal Guidance
Children are turning to AI for homework - Recent data shows that millions of children around the world are incorporating artificial intelligence into their routines for tasks like learning, problem-solving, and addressing personal concerns. Yet, the measures in place to protect them are not keeping up with the technology’s swift growth.
AI Adoption Outpaces Safeguards
Analysis from ten countries reveals that at least 20 million children have interacted with AI. Young users are adopting the technology at a rate three times faster than adults, according to the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Children Rely on AI for Personal and Academic Support
Notably, 2 million children—about 10% of the surveyed group—seek AI for personal advice, particularly for matters that trouble them. In contrast, 13 million use it to assist with school assignments and homework.
“AI is now an integral part of our global existence. It is already transforming childhood, with both positive and negative implications,” said UNICEF in a Tuesday statement.
Although AI presents novel avenues for education and innovation, UNICEF highlights that research on its impact on child development, emotional health, and vulnerability to harm is still in its early stages.
“Effectively, a new generation is being raised within a worldwide technological experiment,” the agency emphasized.
Children are becoming more conscious of AI’s potential dangers. A third of respondents worried about scams or false information spread via the technology, while a quarter feared their personal media could be altered into explicit deepfakes.
UNICEF cautioned that children frequently face the repercussions of inadequately regulated AI systems, even as they have limited influence over its design or data usage practices.
Call for Prioritizing Children’s Rights in AI Governance
As the first Global Dialogue on AI Governance approaches, UNICEF is advocating for governments and tech firms to prioritize children’s rights in AI regulations. The organization is pushing for enhanced safeguards against sexual exploitation via AI, increased research funding on child development impacts, more transparent systems, improved digital skills for families, and broader internet access to bridge the AI gap.
“The decisions we make regarding AI today will determine children’s safety, privacy, mental health, and equitable access to opportunities for years to come,” UNICEF concluded.