A new perspective argues that artificial intelligence is becoming an inevitable part of childhood, raising urgent questions about its long-term impact on young minds. Experts warn that without proactive research, safeguards, and scientific oversight, society may miss the chance to guide AI’s development in ways that protect children’s well-being. The focus shifts from whether AI will influence children to how its effects can be studied and mitigated before irreversible changes take hold. The call emphasizes the need for immediate action to ensure AI’s role in childhood is shaped responsibly.
The question is not whether children will grow up with artificial intelligence. They will. The question is whether, this time, we will build the research, safeguards and scientific guidance needed to understand what AI is doing to children — while we still have the opportunity to shape what comes next.
