Children's AI Use Spreading 3 Times Faster Than Adults', UNICEF Releases Latest Survey Findings Ahead of First Global AI Governance Dialogue

Students learning on computers at a junior high school (Serbia, June 17, 2024) © UNICEF/UNI712730/

NEW YORK/GENEVA, June 30, 2026 – Ahead of the first Global Dialogue on AI Governance, to be held in Geneva from July 6-7, UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) has released the findings of its latest survey on children's use of AI, calling for the inclusion of children's safety and protection rights in AI governance.

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is already becoming a part of our lives and society, and is now impacting the development and experiences of children worldwide, with both positive and negative consequences.

Data has emerged confirming the significant scale and speed at which AI is spreading among children globally, highlighting the associated risks and disparities.

Children engrossed in smartphones in an underground shelter in the constantly shelled Kherson region (Ukraine, March 11, 2026) © UNICEF/UNI981140/Malashina

Based on an analysis by UNICEF using data from 10 countries, it is estimated that at least 20 million children have used AI. Furthermore, it has become clear that many of them began using AI more than three times faster than adults. The use of AI by children is spreading at a pace significantly exceeding that of adults.

Additionally, the survey revealed that over 2 million children, or 1 in 10, reported seeking advice from AI on their anxieties and concerns. An estimated 13 million children are using AI for their studies and homework.

While AI use is rapidly spreading among children, the rules governing its governance have not kept pace with these changes, including regulations to protect children.

14-year-old Damaa studies on a computer at a UNICEF-supported learning center (Jordan, May 21, 2025) © UNICEF/UNI820348/El-Noaimi

Children are more broadly exposed than adults to AI systems, including their design, underlying business models, and how their data is used. However, their ability to avoid or object to these systems is far more limited compared to adults. Children are the first to suffer the consequences of governance failures, and they will bear those consequences the longest. Despite this, current AI governance inadequately considers children's use.

AI has the potential to create opportunities for children to learn, play, and foster creativity. However, insights into its impact on cognitive development, emotional dependency, and harmful effects are only just beginning to accumulate. It can be said that an entire generation is growing up in a global experiment.

Children themselves are aware of these risks. In the 10 countries surveyed, 1 in 3 children reported concerns about AI being used for fraud, deception, or the spread of misinformation. One in four feared their images or videos could be manipulated into sexual deepfakes. Far too many AI systems are being used by children without adequate safety measures; safety appears to be an afterthought.

Ahead of the first Global Dialogue on AI Governance, UNICEF is urging national governments, businesses, industry associations, and partner organizations to integrate children's rights, particularly the rights to safety and protection, into global AI governance. The following measures are necessary:

Expand investment in research and studies on the impact of AI on children's development and well-being, especially regarding risks.

Strengthen laws, governance frameworks, and corporate accountability to prevent the sexual exploitation and abuse of children through AI.

Design AI systems with maximum safety and transparency to ensure all children are protected while leveraging the opportunities AI offers.

Foster AI literacy and provide necessary support so that children, their parents, and caregivers can thrive and be empowered in the digital environment.

Invest in digital infrastructure and quality communication environments accessible to all children, their parents, and caregivers at home and school to bridge domestic and international AI disparities.

We are at a critical juncture. The decisions made today regarding AI will shape children's safety, privacy, well-being, and equal access to opportunities for decades to come.

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Notes

The UNICEF research report, "Snapshot of AI Usage and Concerns Among Children and Parents (tentative title)," can be downloaded here:

https://www.unicef.org/innocenti/documents/snapshot-ai-usage-among-children-parents

This report is based on data from the "Disrupting Harm Phase 2" survey. This survey was conducted as the second phase of a research project led by the UNICEF Innocenti Research Centre, the international NGO ECPAT, and INTERPOL (International Criminal Police Organization), funded by the "Safe Online" international investment platform for protecting children from online dangers. The countries analyzed were Armenia, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Jordan, Mexico, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Pakistan, and Serbia.

The estimates presented here are based on nationally representative household surveys conducted by UNICEF and the polling firm IPSOS in these 10 countries. Each country's survey employed a sampling methodology designed to cover nearly the entire national population (91-100%), targeting approximately 1,000 children aged 12-17 who use the internet and approximately 1,000 of their parents or caregivers. The survey results from each country were weighted based on UN 2024 population data and estimated internet usage rates for children to calculate estimates applicable to the overall population. The surveys were conducted in countries selected to consider diverse regional backgrounds.

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About UNICEF

UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) is a United Nations agency dedicated to promoting the rights and healthy development of all children worldwide. Working with partners in approximately 190 countries and territories*, UNICEF translates its commitments into practical action. UNICEF focuses on reaching the most vulnerable children and adolescents and protecting their rights everywhere. UNICEF's work is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from individuals, companies, foundations, and governments.

* Includes 32 countries and territories with National Committees for UNICEF (UNICEF Associations).

About Japan Committee for UNICEF

The Japan Committee for UNICEF is one of the 32 National Committees for UNICEF in developed countries and regions. As the sole organization representing UNICEF in Japan on a private basis, it is responsible for public relations, fundraising, and advocacy for UNICEF's activities. https://www.unicef.or.jp