Impact of technology on child development

Experts and medical organizations are examining the influence of digital technology and artificial intelligence on the development of younger generations. While technology offers new learning opportunities, specialists warn of challenges regarding human relationships and the necessity of limiting screen exposure to protect neural connections.

In Brazil, the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP) has issued an urgent alert regarding AI-powered toys and products designed for children and adolescents. The SBP warns that generative AI systems—which can recognize voice and images, remember personal information, and adapt responses—pose risks of improper exposure. Because these systems use affective or empathetic language, there is a significant concern that children might develop mistaken perceptions of AI as a friend or caregiver.

Furthermore, the use of connected devices equipped with microphones and cameras raises significant privacy and data security concerns due to their ability to access the internet and collect data. UNICEF has also joined these discussions, raising concerns about ‘AI companions’ that encourage conversational relationships. The SBP emphasizes that parental supervision is essential to mitigate the risks associated with these highly personalized and engaging technologies.