The United Nations Children's Fund is demanding stronger safeguards and tough regulation as more young people embrace artificial intelligence technologies. UNICEF made the push in a statement released on Tuesday, ahead of the inaugural Global Dialogue on AI Governance set for Geneva, Switzerland on 6 and 7 July 2026.
The UN body noted that artificial intelligence is reshaping how children grow up around the world. Fresh data is now showing just how quickly young people are picking up these technologies, while also highlighting the dangers and inequalities that are taking shape.
A UNICEF review of figures from 10 countries found that roughly 20 million children have already used AI, with many embracing it at speeds three times faster than adults. The organisation told reporters that more than 2 million children—roughly one in every ten—confess they turn to AI when they need advice about worrying problems.
About 13 million young people said they rely on AI to help them learn and finish homework assignments. "As more children use AI, the rules meant to govern it—including protections specifically for children—are falling dangerously behind," the statement read.
UNICEF stressed that children face far greater exposure to AI systems, including the business models driving them and how their data gets used, yet they have little ability to refuse or push back. The fund is calling on governments, businesses, and other organisations to place child safety at the heart of AI governance by studying how the technology affects young people's development and wellbeing.
The agency wants stronger laws and tighter corporate oversight, alongside efforts to teach children digital literacy and support for families navigating this new landscape. UNICEF is pushing for AI systems that put safety and openness first, allowing children to stay protected while still gaining from what the technology offers.
The organisation also wants governments and donors to pump money into digital infrastructure and reliable internet access so families everywhere can bridge the growing AI gap between rich and poor nations and communities. This investment, according to UNICEF, remains essential if all children are to benefit fairly.
