UNICEF warns of AI-driven online risks to children

UNICEF highlights that children are increasingly accessing smartphones and AI‑powered apps at younger ages, with usage now common before pre‑adolescence. The rise of digital learning, social connection and parental reliance has led to greater exposure to online content, including smart toys, voice assistants, chatbots and video games.

The agency warns that this rapid expansion of AI‑driven technology outpaces existing safeguards, creating serious risks such as technology‑facilitated sexual exploitation, exposure to adult material, manipulative commercial practices, and data misuse. Perpetrators can more easily groom and extort minors, using dark‑pattern designs and deceptive interfaces to trap users into sharing explicit images or personal data. UNICEF calls for stronger protections, parental oversight, and the adoption of safe‑tech tools to mitigate these threats.