UNICEF Report Shows 20 Million Children Embracing AI Faster Than Adults

A UNICEF analysis of data from ten countries estimates that at least 20 million children have used artificial intelligence (AI), adopting the technology more than three times faster than adults. Around 2 million youngsters say they turn to AI for personal advice, while roughly 13 million use AI to support learning and homework.

The report highlights that one‑third of children worry AI could be used for scams or misinformation, and one‑quarter fear their images could be turned into sexual deepfakes. UNICEF calls for stronger safeguards, including safety‑by‑design standards, tighter regulations, and an "AI Child Safety Pledge" for tech firms.

A parallel United Nations independent scientific panel warns that AI development is outpacing governments’ regulatory capacity. The panel notes that AI computing power is heavily concentrated—about 75 % of the world's top 500 AI supercomputers are in the United States and 15 % in China—while global weekly users of conversational AI have topped one billion. The panel urges coordinated international governance to manage risks such as misinformation, cyber‑attacks, and malicious use of AI‑generated content.

Experts in Poland and elsewhere stress the need for digital‑media education and legislation to protect children as AI becomes integral to everyday life.