Background

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems are changing the world and are affecting the present and future generations of children. 
• Children are already interacting with AI technologies in many different ways: through toys, virtual assistants, video games, and adaptive learning software. 
• AI systems provide recommendations to children on what videos to watch next, what news to read, what music to listen to and who to be friends with.
• At present, little attention is paid to how AI systems will affect children and their rights. 
• This is especially concerning, as children are less able to fully understand the implications of AI technologies and often do not have the opportunities to communicate their opinions, nor the right advocates to support them. 
• Children also often lack the resources to respond to instances of bias or to rectify any misconceptions in their data.
• On the other hand, AI also provides many new opportunities for children.

Opportunities for Children through AI

• Personalized Learning Tools: AI can modify educational content to each child’s learning style, pace, and needs, improving educational outcomes and expanding access to quality education for children worldwide.
• Health Innovations: Through Big Data and AI, we can better understand and address childhood diseases, potentially leading to curing or managing illnesses like HIV and other conditions affecting children.
• Enhanced Accessibility: AI technologies, such as speech-to-text applications and brain-controlled robotic devices, can help children with physical, visual, or cognitive impairments access education, communication, and daily activities more easily.
• Emotional and Mental Health Support: AI-driven virtual therapists and emotional support networks can offer mental health assistance to children dealing with stress, trauma, or mental health challenges, particularly in areas with limited access to traditional therapy.
• Safer Urban Environments: AI can aid in urban planning (traffic management, waste management, pollution control) to make cities safer, healthier, and more supportive environments for the growing number of children living in urban areas.
• Food Security and Nutrition through Smart Agriculture: AI-powered Big Data analysis can optimize agricultural practices, ensuring better food production and distribution, leading to improved nutrition and food security for children, especially in vulnerable regions.

Issues for Children due to emergence of AI

• Identity Theft: AI can be misused to create fake identities or steal personal information, putting children’s digital identities and financial security at risk.
• Exposure to Harmful Content: AI-driven platforms may unknowingly expose children to inappropriate, violent, or harmful material, especially with the rise of generative AI.
• Location Tracking and Targeting: AI tools can detect and misuse children’s location data, creating risks of stalking, abduction, or other forms of exploitation.
• Bias and Discrimination:  AI-based decision-making (e.g., in education, healthcare, financial services) can reinforce historic biases, unfairly excluding children from opportunities.
• Digital Divide: Not all children have equal access to AI technologies, worsening existing inequalities between socio-economic groups.
• Cognitive and Psychological Impacts: Heavy reliance on AI for cognitive tasks could impair children’s memory, critical thinking, and focus.
  • Increased screen time and AI-mediated interactions can lead to anxiety, depression, and poor social skill development.
  • AI algorithms (especially those used in advertising and social media) can manipulate children’s behavior and choices without their informed consent.
• Threat of AI-Generated CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material): AI tools can create highly realistic fake images and videos of children, posing grave threats to their dignity and safety.
  • Existing laws in India (Information  Technology Act, 2000; Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012) are insufficient to tackle AI-generated CSAM, leaving children vulnerable.
  • The spread of AI-generated CSAM can cause deep emotional trauma for victims and their families.

• Impact on Social Skills: AI-mediated learning environments may limit real-world social interactions, affecting children’s emotional and social development.
• Reduced Physical Activity: As AI handles more tasks, children might have fewer traditional work experiences, leading to issues around finding purpose and meaning in leisure.

Way Forward

Government Perspective:

• Promote Digital Literacy and AI Education Early: Governments can integrate AI and digital skills into school curriculums to prepare children for the future workforce and help them use AI responsibly.
  • This should be done without urban-rural distinction to avoid the problem of digital divide.
• Create Stronger Regulations and Safety Standards: New legislations which ensure AI tools used by children are safe, free from harmful content, respect privacy, and are age-appropriate.
• Develop Child-Safe AI Platforms: Encourage the development of AI systems specifically designed for children’s learning, health, and well-being, with strict ethical guidelines.

Parent Perspective:

• Encourage Guided and Purposeful Use of AI: Parents should help children use AI for learning, creativity (e.g., coding, art, language learning) rather than for passive consumption or entertainment alone.
• Teach Critical Thinking about AI: Parents should take steps to educate children to question and understand AI outputs (For instance; not believing everything a chatbot or Gen AI says).
• Monitor and Set Healthy Boundaries: Parents have to supervise children’s use of AI tools, set screen time limits, and ensure they’re interacting with trustworthy and safe AI platforms.