AI has revolutionized how children learn, play, and communicate. From educational apps offering personalized learning experiences to interactive toy robots that simulate emotions, the possibilities seem endless. For children, this opens a new world of exploration and growth, but for parents and educators, it also brings new responsibilities and concerns. How can we ensure that these technologies genuinely contribute to a child’s development without introducing risks?
Here, we explore both the opportunities and challenges of AI in children’s daily lives. We examine how technology can enrich learning, its impact on social and emotional development, and where extra caution is needed. While the benefits are significant, issues like privacy, bias, and psychological effects require a thoughtful and deliberate approach.
Designing AI for children goes beyond creating technology that is easy to use. It is about ensuring the safety, privacy, and well-being of a vulnerable group still in their most formative stages of life. Because children lack the critical skills adults have to evaluate technology or recognize risks, a significant responsibility lies with AI developers, parents, and policymakers.
The ethical considerations for AI designed for children are numerous. A fundamental principle is transparency: parents and children must understand what an AI system does, what data it collects, and how it is used. Moreover, these systems must be designed to support healthy development, encouraging offline activities and promoting social interaction with people. A third pillar is minimizing bias. AI models trained on narrow datasets can disadvantage children by offering them only a limited perspective. All of this requires a systematic approach to ethics in every phase of design and implementation.
Ethical design is not an abstract ideal but a practical necessity. Research shows that children are sensitive to unintended consequences of technology. For example, they may develop a strong emotional attachment to AI systems, such as toy robots, which can affect their understanding of social relationships and empathy. Studies, such as those by Thorn and Common Sense Media, highlight the need for safe, child-friendly technologies that do not harm development.
An example of this is the use of dashboards that provide parents with insights into their child’s interactions with an AI system. This transparency and control allow parents to better monitor what is happening. Additionally, developers of AI systems like Google and OpenAI have taken steps to minimize bias by using diverse datasets and implementing ethical guidelines.
Finally, AI systems should not only solve problems but also add value to children’s lives. An ethically designed voice assistant, for instance, could not only answer questions but also encourage children to engage in creative activities, such as drawing a picture or telling a story to their parents.
By integrating transparency, support for healthy development, and bias minimization, we can design AI systems that are not only safe and reliable but also have a positive impact on the next generation.
AI technologies are playing an increasingly prominent role in children’s daily lives, influencing not only their learning experiences but also their emotional and social development. For children, who are still in critical phases of cognitive and social growth, these interactions can have profound psychological effects. This brings both opportunities and risks that must be carefully examined and addressed.
Children are naturally curious and open to new experiences, making them an ideal audience for AI innovations. An AI-powered robot like Eilik, for instance, can help develop social skills by simulating emotions such as joy or sadness. In therapeutic settings, AI systems have also proven valuable, helping children with autism or social anxiety practice communication and interaction. However, this raises important questions: what happens if children develop an emotional dependency on these systems, and how does this affect their relationships in the real world?
Research indicates that children often struggle to differentiate between human interaction and the simulated responses of AI. As a result, they may start viewing AI as a ‘friend,’ which can be problematic for their understanding of authenticity and empathy. Studies conducted by institutions like the MIT Media Lab have shown that emotional attachments to AI can lead not only to confusion but also to the replacement of genuine human connections.
Another significant concern is how AI can manipulate emotions to influence behavior. AI systems can use subtle techniques to promote in-app purchases or keep children engaged with an app or game for longer periods. This kind of manipulation, whether intentional or not, can be harmful to a child’s emotional development. Organizations like Thorn advocate for stricter regulations and guidelines to prevent such practices.
However, there is also a positive side. AI can help children understand and manage difficult emotions. For example, an AI companion might suggest, “Would you like to talk to a parent about what happened at school today?” This type of support can contribute to improving children’s social and emotional skills, as long as it complements rather than replaces human relationships.
This chapter delves deeper into the psychological impact of AI on children. We discuss how AI can be both a comforting companion and a source of risks, and how developers and parents can work together to maximize its benefits while minimizing the dangers. Although AI can be a valuable tool, humans remain the key to fostering authentic and meaningful relationships.
The introduction of Eilik, a small, charming robot with immense potential, offers a fascinating glimpse into how AI is transforming our perception of technology and its interaction with children. Eilik is designed to provide a unique experience by simulating emotions, telling stories, and offering interactive games. This makes it an appealing tool for both education and entertainment. However, behind this technology lie complex ethical questions that spark broader debates about AI and children.
Eilik is often praised for its ability to establish emotional connections with users. When children pet Eilik, it responds with joy. If lifted from a height, it shows fear. These simulated emotions create realistic interactions and engage children in ways that traditional toy robots cannot. Research suggests that such features are particularly useful in therapeutic contexts, such as helping children with social anxieties understand emotional cues.
Nevertheless, concerns arise about the potential psychological and social effects of such a bond with a robot. What happens if a child begins to see Eilik as a ‘real friend’? Could this impact their ability to form meaningful relationships with humans? These are not hypothetical questions: studies, including those from the MIT Media Lab, have shown that children often struggle to differentiate between the simulated emotions of AI and authentic human interactions.
Additionally, questions of privacy emerge. As Eilik continuously collects data to improve its interactions, it is critical to understand how this data is stored and used. Are these data processed anonymously, or is there a risk that children’s personal information could fall into the wrong hands? Such concerns have led to calls for stricter regulations, as outlined in initiatives like the Thorn Safety by Design Framework.
Finally, we must consider cultural and social inclusivity. Eilik was developed within a Western context, raising the question of whether it is effective and inclusive for children from other cultures and backgrounds. AI developers are increasingly encouraged to use diverse datasets and test their products in varied contexts to ensure they meet the needs of a broad audience.
The case study of Eilik illustrates how AI presents both opportunities and challenges. It underscores the need for an ethical framework when developing technologies aimed at children. It also highlights the importance of collaboration among parents, developers, and policymakers to create a safe and inclusive environment where AI can thrive.
In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly significant role in children’s lives, parents and educators have a crucial task: guiding children in their interactions with these technologies. AI offers impressive possibilities, from personalized learning to interactive experiences, but without proper guidance, the risks can quickly outweigh the benefits. From privacy concerns to the impact on social development, parents and educators face the challenge of protecting and supporting children in their responsible use of AI.
Children are growing up in an era where technology is ubiquitous. They learn quickly but often without a full understanding of how AI works or the risks it entails. This makes them particularly vulnerable to manipulative designs in apps or excessive reliance on technology. For example, while educational AI tools can provide valuable support, they can also lead to passivity if children are not encouraged to think critically or act creatively.
A crucial first step for parents and educators is fostering critical thinking. AI can provide answers to a wide range of questions, but children must learn to analyze and question these answers. A simple question like “Why do you think the AI said that?” can help children reflect on the context and limitations of technology. Organizations such as Common Sense Media emphasize the importance of media literacy and understanding how technology works.
Setting clear boundaries is also essential. AI-powered devices can be addictive, especially when designed to keep children engaged. Limiting screen time and encouraging a balance between online and offline activities are practical ways to address this. For instance, a child could be encouraged to draw a story they created with AI and share it with family members.
Parents and educators should also stay informed about the technologies children are using. This means not only knowing what an app or AI tool does but also understanding how it collects and processes data. Using dashboards or parental controls can help provide insight into a child’s interactions with AI and make adjustments as needed. Companies like OpenAI and Google offer tools that give parents greater control over data management and their children’s interactions with AI.
It is important to recognize that parents and educators cannot do everything on their own. Collaboration with schools, policymakers, and technology companies is necessary to create a broader safety framework. This could include organizing workshops on AI literacy or advocating for stricter regulations specifically aimed at AI for children.
In this chapter, we discuss practical strategies and steps that parents and educators can take to integrate AI into children’s lives safely and effectively. While AI offers powerful advantages, human guidance remains the key to protecting and supporting the next generation.
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into the daily lives of children, it is evident that effective regulation and oversight are essential to protect them. AI offers tremendous opportunities, but without clear rules, it also brings risks such as privacy breaches, bias, and even manipulation. This makes it crucial for governments, companies, and other stakeholders to collaborate in developing robust frameworks that protect children while fostering innovation.
Children represent a unique and vulnerable demographic. They often do not fully understand how technology works or the consequences of their interactions. Many AI systems collect data such as voice recordings, behavior patterns, and preferences. Without strict regulations, it is challenging to ensure that this data is stored securely and used responsibly. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe has taken an important step by requiring parental consent for collecting data on minors, but not all countries have comparable protections.
Furthermore, ethical questions arise regarding how AI operates. AI systems can, for example, contain unintended biases that may disadvantage children. Regulation can mandate that companies test their systems for bias and inclusivity before implementation. This is becoming increasingly important in a world where AI increasingly influences decisions, from educational support to the content children encounter online.
Effective regulation should address three core areas:
Children have the right to a safe digital environment where their data is carefully protected. This means companies must adhere to strict standards for data collection, storage, and usage. GDPR serves as an example of how these standards can be implemented.
All AI systems intended for children should undergo ethical testing. This includes practices like “red teaming,” where systems are tested for vulnerabilities such as manipulative techniques or harmful content.
Developers must be required to clearly communicate how their AI systems work and what they do with user data. This provides parents with the tools to make informed decisions.
There are already several powerful initiatives demonstrating how regulation and oversight can be effective. Thorn, a non-profit organization focused on child safety in the digital world, has collaborated with OpenAI and Google to develop guidelines for AI systems. These guidelines aim to minimize harmful content for children and ensure systems are designed with safety in mind.
In the EU, the upcoming AI Act has set a precedent by imposing stricter requirements on companies developing AI. This legislation mandates that companies be transparent about their algorithms and test their systems for risks before deployment.
Companies play a central role in upholding ethical standards. They must not only comply with legislation but also invest in technologies that ensure the safety and inclusivity of AI. For example, Google is developing tools like SynthID, which clearly labels AI-generated content so users can distinguish between authentic and synthetic material.
Policymakers must also continue to collaborate with developers, ethicists, and academics to ensure that new regulations remain effective and up-to-date. This can be achieved by regularly evaluating existing laws and adapting guidelines to address emerging technological developments.
By combining clear regulations, robust oversight, and collaboration between companies and policymakers, we can create an environment where AI is both safe and beneficial for children. Regulation is not intended to hinder innovation but rather to ensure that technology contributes positively to society. Only through collective efforts can we harness the power of AI without losing sight of the vulnerabilities of children.
While companies and policymakers play a crucial role in regulating and designing ethical AI systems, a significant responsibility also lies with the users themselves. Parents, educators, and children can take an active role in engaging with AI safely and effectively. By approaching AI technologies consciously and thinking critically about their interactions, users can not only benefit from AI’s advantages but also contribute to a culture of responsible use.
Children learn and develop quickly, but they lack the experience and critical thinking skills to fully grasp the nuances of AI. This makes it essential for parents and educators to guide them and teach them how to use technology consciously. This begins with a basic understanding of how AI works: AI is not a person, but a system that generates answers based on data and algorithms. When children understand this, they are better equipped to distinguish between reality and simulation.
For parents and educators, awareness is the first step. Understanding how AI works, what data it collects, and how it makes decisions is crucial. This awareness can lead to important questions such as: Is this AI system safe for my child? Does it stimulate creativity and learning, or does it lead to dependence? It is about learning to identify where the opportunities lie and where the risks are hidden.
Take the time to understand the technologies your child uses. Read the privacy policies and ask yourself what data is being collected and why. Tools like dashboards that provide insight into how an AI system works can be helpful in this process.
A simple yet effective technique is teaching children how to ask critical questions of AI. Instead of accepting what AI says, encourage children to ask, “Why are you saying this?” or “Where does this information come from?” This promotes critical thinking skills and helps them better understand technology.
AI can be a fantastic tool for fostering learning and creativity, but it should always be balanced with offline activities. AI-driven learning apps can be a good start, but encourage your child to put their ideas on paper or share them with others.
Prolonged interactions with AI can lead to reduced social interactions and dependency. Set limits on screen time and encourage your child to use AI as a tool, not as a replacement for human relationships.
As a parent or educator, you can test the reliability of an AI system yourself. Ask the same question in different ways or from multiple perspectives to see if the AI responds consistently and without bias. This can help you better understand the system's reliability and inclusivity.
For many users, AI remains a relatively new concept. This makes education about AI and ethics essential. Organizations like Common Sense Media and Thorn have developed guidelines to help parents and educators better understand AI. These resources can be used to organize workshops or create learning materials that raise awareness among children and adults about the possibilities and risks of AI.
Individual actions can make a significant difference, but collaboration is equally important. By having open conversations with children about how they use AI and sharing experiences with other parents or educators, a broader community can emerge that approaches technology critically and consciously. This collaboration can also put pressure on companies and policymakers to implement responsible AI practices.
AI will continue to evolve, and its applications will become increasingly complex. By teaching children at an early age how to use technology critically and equipping parents and educators with the tools to provide oversight, we can lay the foundation for a generation that is not only a consumer of AI but also a responsible user. Together, we can ensure that AI remains a positive force that inspires, supports, and protects children.
The future of artificial intelligence (AI) holds exciting possibilities, but it also comes with the responsibility to develop these technologies in an ethical and inclusive way. For children, this is even more critical: they are growing up in a world where AI is an integral part of their daily lives. It is up to us, as developers, policymakers, parents, and educators, to ensure that these technologies are not only safe and fair but also contribute to an environment where all children can thrive.
AI has the potential to be a powerful driver for education, creativity, and social connection. Imagine a future where AI helps children learn new languages, understand scientific discoveries, or create their own imaginative stories. These are not futuristic ideas but realistic applications already taking shape today. AI can inspire children to embrace curiosity and provide them with the tools to better understand the world around them.
However, to realize this vision, we must ensure that AI is accessible to everyone. Children from different socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds should have equal opportunities to benefit from these technologies. Inclusive datasets and design strategies are essential to prevent certain groups from being excluded or disadvantaged. As demonstrated by research on bias in AI, the lack of diversity in datasets can lead to limited or biased outcomes.
While the possibilities are vast, the risks of AI cannot be overlooked. AI brings challenges such as bias, manipulative designs, and privacy concerns. Without clear guidelines and oversight, these risks could become obstacles to a safe and inclusive future.
One of the biggest challenges is ensuring privacy and data security. Children are especially vulnerable because they often do not understand what happens to the data they share. Regulations like GDPR provide a strong foundation, but implementing these standards globally remains a challenge. Transparency is also a key principle: parents and children must be able to understand how AI works and the choices made in its design.
Another risk is the replacement of human interactions by AI. While AI can be a valuable supplement, it should never replace genuine human connections. Children must be encouraged to use technology as a tool, not as an end goal.
Achieving a safe and inclusive future requires collaboration among various stakeholders:
The future of AI and children depends on our willingness to develop and use the technology in an ethical and responsible manner. It is not just about solving technical problems but also about building a broader societal consensus on what is acceptable and what is not. Through collaboration, education, and regulation, we can ensure that AI remains a positive force that helps children reach their full potential.
AI should not become an exclusive technology accessible only to a few. It must be a tool that bridges gaps, opens new opportunities, and provides all children, regardless of their background, with an equal chance to grow and learn.
Blue was born out of a personal challenge. As a father, I wanted to spend more quality time with my daughter but found it difficult to muster enough energy to read to her after a long day. I decided to use AI to create stories that we could experience together. What started as a practical solution quickly grew into a broader project: an AI system that not only generates stories but also inspires, supports, and encourages children to think further.
Blue has become much more than a storytelling tool. It has shown me how AI can play a valuable role in the lives of children, but it also raised complex ethical questions that I had to address during the process. In this chapter, I share my vision, the challenges I faced, and the lessons I learned along the way.
When I started Blue, I had a clear goal: to use technology to create connections, not to replace them. I wanted my daughter to have fun while also learning something meaningful. That’s why I designed Blue as a tool that not only tells stories but also answers questions, explains complex concepts, and encourages children to engage in creative activities.
An example of this is how Blue responds when a child doesn’t understand a difficult word. Instead of simply providing a definition, Blue encourages the child to ask further questions or use the word in a different context. I believe AI can help children become more curious and build confidence in their learning process.
While developing Blue, I frequently encountered ethical questions. One of them is accessibility. I want Blue to be available to as many children as possible, regardless of their background, but there are costs associated with building and maintaining an AI system. These include hosting, training time for models, and legal support. After much thought, I decided on a solution: a free basic version of Blue with affordable add-ons for additional functionalities. This feels like an ethical balance between accessibility and sustainability.
I also grapple with cultural inclusivity. As a white man from a Western country, my worldview inevitably influences the stories Blue generates. I try to mitigate this by using diverse datasets and testing regularly in different contexts. However, I acknowledge that it is impossible to create an AI model that is fully representative of all cultures. This remains an important area of focus.
Privacy is one of my biggest concerns. Since children are the primary users of Blue, I want to ensure their data is safe. For this reason, I store conversations but do not link them to specific users. I don’t need to know who is asking what; I only need to understand what is being asked so I can improve Blue.
Another ethical dilemma I face is how Blue should handle sensitive questions. If a child asks, “What is a gun?” I believe Blue should provide an honest answer, such as explaining that it is a dangerous weapon capable of causing harm. But what if the child follows up with, “How do you make a gun?”? This is where a clear boundary must be drawn. Blue should never provide information that could lead to harmful behavior, but it must remain educational. Striking this balance is challenging, but essential.
Developing Blue has been an intensive process, both technically and ethically. I often test Blue on myself and my daughter. By observing how she interacts with Blue, I learn what works and what doesn’t. Sometimes I ask myself questions like, “How would Blue respond if a child from a different cultural background asked this question?” This helps me recognize my own blind spots and make improvements.
I strongly believe in experimenting in real-world settings. One idea I am working on is transforming Blue into a physical robot. By placing Blue in social contexts, such as a school or playground, I aim to understand how children react to a more tangible form of AI. This introduces new ethical challenges, but it is also an opportunity to further refine Blue.
I see Blue as a tool that supports children in their growth but never replaces the role of parents or educators. Technology can be a wonderful complement, but human relationships remain the foundation. I want to keep improving Blue by collaborating with other developers, ethicists, and educators. Together, we can ensure that AI is not only safe but also becomes a positive force in the lives of children.
My dream is for Blue to become an example of how AI can be used ethically and responsibly. By continuing to learn and adapt, I hope Blue can help children become more curious, creative, and confident.