NEW YORK / Content Syndication Services / – Children are adopting artificial intelligence at a faster rate than adults and using it for schoolwork, information, creative tasks and personal advice, the United Nations Children’s Fund said in a new analysis. UNICEF said at least 20 million children in 10 surveyed countries have used AI. It said children adopt AI tools at more than three times the rate of parents and caregivers.
The analysis found that AI use among children varies widely by country. Between 18% and 50% of surveyed children reported using AI at least once. The survey covered internet-using children aged 12 to 17. It also included parents and caregivers. The countries were Armenia, Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Jordan, Mexico, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Pakistan and Serbia.
Children most often used AI for learning and homework. The agency estimated that 13 million children across the 10 countries used AI to support education. Among children who used AI, 60% said they used it for homework. Another 47% used it to find information. Ipsos helped conduct nationally representative household surveys that included about 1,000 children and 1,000 parents or caregivers in each country.
Parents lag behind children
The findings showed a clear gap between children and adults. At least three in four parents or caregivers in the surveyed countries had never used AI. Children reported using AI for practical tasks, including translation and creative work. About 24% of AI-using children used it for translation. Another 30% used it to create or edit images or videos.
The report also found that some children turn to AI for personal concerns. More than 2 million children, or about one in 10, said they use AI for advice about things that worry them. The average share across surveyed countries was 11% among children who used AI. In one country, the share reached 21%. The findings placed emotional guidance behind homework and information-seeking as a use case.
Risks include scams and deepfakes
Children also reported concerns about AI risks. About 34% worried that AI could trick people or support scams. Around 32% worried about false information. Another 26% feared fake sexual images or videos made with AI. The report linked those concerns to the spread of manipulated content, including deepfakes. It also noted risks tied to children’s privacy, safety and trust in digital services.
UNICEF issued the findings ahead of the first UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance, scheduled for July 6 and 7 in Geneva. The agency called for child rights to become part of AI rules, product design and digital policy. It also urged stronger safety measures, clearer accountability, AI literacy and wider digital access. The report said children already use AI at scale, while many adults still lack direct experience with the tools.