Generative AI technologies—like ChatGPT, Gemini, and AI-powered tools in games and educational platforms—are rapidly becoming a part of children’s daily lives. As these systems grow more sophisticated and accessible, it’s crucial to examine both their potential benefits and the risks they pose to young users.
How Are Children Using Generative AI?
Recent research shows that nearly a quarter of children aged 8-12 have used generative AI tools, with ChatGPT being the most popular choice7. Children primarily use these tools to:
- Explore their creativity
- Find information or learn about new topics
- Engage in digital play
Usage patterns vary by age, gender, and whether children have additional learning needs. For example, children with additional learning needs report higher rates of AI tool use, possibly due to the accessibility and support these platforms can provide7.
The team recently published a paper on the use of generative AI in the UK’s public
sector, and a report exploring doctors’ understandings and use of AI systems in their
clinical practice.
Opportunities: Learning, Creativity, and Engagement
When designed responsibly, generative AI can support children’s learning and development in several ways:
- Personalized Learning: AI can tailor explanations and assignments to individual needs, helping children grasp difficult concepts at their own pace9.
- Fostering Creativity: Tools like AI-powered drawing apps or story generators can inspire children to create and experiment in new ways7.
- Modeling Learning Strategies: AI can demonstrate problem-solving approaches, encouraging children to engage with material more deeply4.
Some parents and educators even report improvements in creativity and critical thinking when children use AI as a collaborative partner5.
Risks and Concerns: Critical Thinking, Safety, and Misinformation
Despite these opportunities, experts highlight several significant risks:
- Erosion of Critical Thinking: Generative AI often provides ready-made answers, which can discourage children from developing their own problem-solving skills and independent judgment—especially among younger users who are still learning to question and analyze information56.
- Exposure to Inappropriate Content: Many parents worry about children encountering harmful or inaccurate information. Studies show that simple prompts can sometimes generate inappropriate outputs, and 82% of parents express concern about this risk7.
- Privacy and Security Threats: Generative AI can be misused for bullying, fraud, or the creation of deepfakes, exposing children to new forms of online threats3.
- Misinformation and Bias: AI-generated content can be indistinguishable from real information, making it harder for children to discern fact from fiction. This increases their vulnerability to disinformation and algorithmic biases92.
The Importance of AI Literacy
A recurring theme in research is the urgent need to improve AI literacy among children, parents, and educators. Without understanding how these systems work, children may not recognize the limitations or risks of AI-generated content16. Teaching children to approach AI critically—questioning sources, verifying facts, and understanding the technology’s boundaries—is essential for safe and effective use.
Recommendations for a Safer Future
To maximize benefits and minimize harms, experts recommend:
- Child-Centered Design: Developers should create AI tools with children’s unique needs and rights in mind, ensuring age-appropriate safeguards and involving young people in the design process7.
- Parental and Educator Guidance: Clear resources and guidelines are needed to help adults support children in navigating AI safely6.
- Policy and Regulation: Policymakers should include children’s perspectives in AI governance and introduce certification schemes to identify safe, educational AI tools for classroom use7.
- Co-Learning: Parents and teachers should engage with AI alongside children, modeling critical thinking and responsible use4.
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