Publication summary
Artificial intelligence is now embedded in many of the digital tools and platforms children use every day, from education apps to social media and chatbots. While AI can support learning, accessibility and participation, it also brings serious risks, including exposure to harmful content, privacy violations, discrimination and new forms of exploitation.
UNICEF’s Guidance on AI and Children 3.0 sets out a clear, rights based framework to ensure that AI policies and systems protect and promote children’s rights. Grounded in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the guidance calls on governments and businesses to put children at the centre of AI governance, design and deployment.
The updated guidance outlines ten core requirements for child centred AI, including safety by design, strong data protection, transparency, fairness, accountability and meaningful participation of children. It addresses emerging challenges such as generative AI, AI companions, deepfakes, AI generated child sexual abuse material, and the environmental and labour impacts of AI systems.
By applying this guidance, decision makers can help ensure that AI maximizes opportunities for children while preventing harm, reducing inequalities and safeguarding children’s development and well being in an increasingly AI driven world.
