AI and children: which limits make sense?
Children need explanations, age-appropriate use and stronger privacy protection.
What is it?
Children, older people and other vulnerable users need explanations suited to their age and knowledge, stronger privacy protection and clear limits. Many AI services are meant for adults and have age restrictions.
An everyday example
A ten-year-old chats with a chatbot as if it were a friend and tells it where they live and when they are home alone.
Why does it matter?
Vulnerable users find it harder to spot mistakes, manipulation or privacy risks. That gives adults and providers greater responsibility.
A common misconception
That AI is a friend who knows everything. Explain it to a child as a tool that can be wrong.
In more detail
Should a child use AI without an adult?
That depends on the child’s age, the tool and the task. With younger children, talking it through together and guiding them makes sense.
What should we teach them first?
That AI is not a person, that it can be wrong, and that they should not share personal details unless they need to.
What can be useful?
Language practice, explaining school topics, creative tasks and accessibility aids.
Where is special care needed?
With emotional attachment, dangerous advice, profiling, sexual content and decisions about the child.
Remember: Explain AI to a child as a tool, not as a friend who knows everything.
Reliable sources
Last reviewed 1 November 2026. An explainer, not professional, legal or medical advice. For rules and figures that change, check the official version.