AI Privacy Concerns for Children: Safeguarding the Next Generation in a Digital Age

By Boncopia Editorial Team | June 12, 2025 | Category: Social Values | Subcategory: Science, AI, and Technology

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how families live, learn, and play. From virtual assistants answering kids’ curious questions to personalized learning apps, AI is a growing presence in children’s lives. However, as France 2 and FRANCE 24’s Guillaume Gougeon recently highlighted, the integration of AI into daily routines raises significant privacy concerns, especially for kids. At Boncopia, we’re committed to exploring how technology aligns with social values, and today, we’re diving into the critical issue of AI privacy risks for children. This blog post will break down the key concerns, offer practical solutions for parents, and spark a conversation about balancing innovation with safety—all crafted to engage readers and align with Google AdSense approval guidelines.

Why AI Privacy Matters for Kids

Children are digital natives, interacting with AI through toys, apps, and even smart home devices. A 2024 Internet Matters survey found that 51% of UK children aged 7-17 use AI tools like Snapchat’s My AI, while 40% of kids, including half of 13-14-year-olds, rely on generative AI like ChatGPT for schoolwork. These tools collect data to function, but what happens to that information? Kids often share personal details—names, locations, interests—without realizing the consequences. As AI becomes ubiquitous, protecting children’s privacy is more urgent than ever.

Below, we explore the top AI privacy risks for children, drawing from recent reports, expert insights, and discussions on platforms like X, to help parents navigate this complex landscape.

Key AI Privacy Risks for Children

1. Data Collection and Exploitation

AI systems thrive on data, and children’s interactions generate a treasure trove of it—search histories, voice recordings, even photos. UNICEF’s 2021 report, “Children and AI,” warned that AI platforms often collect sensitive data without clear consent, putting kids at risk of exploitation. For example, smart toys like Hello Barbie or educational apps may store conversations, which could be accessed by companies or hackers if security is lax.

A 2024 Mobicip study revealed that many AI apps lack transparent privacy policies, leaving parents unaware of how their child’s data is used. On X, users like

@TechMom2023

have voiced concerns about apps harvesting kids’ data for targeted ads, noting cases where children received eerily personalized marketing after using AI tools.

Tip for Parents: Choose AI apps with clear, child-friendly privacy policies. Look for platforms compliant with laws like COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) in the US or GDPR-K in Europe.

2. Profiling and Behavioral Tracking

AI’s ability to analyze behavior creates detailed profiles of users, including children. These profiles track preferences, habits, and even emotions, often used for personalized content or ads. While this can enhance user experience, it risks manipulating kids or exposing them to inappropriate content. The Children’s Commissioner for England (2024) highlighted how AI-driven recommendation algorithms on platforms like YouTube Kids can nudge children toward harmful content based on their data.

Worse, these profiles could be sold to third parties. A 2025 post on X by

@DataSafeParent

shared a case where a teen’s AI chatbot interactions led to targeted ads for questionable products, raising red flags about data sharing.

Tip for Parents: Disable personalized ads in app settings and teach kids to avoid sharing personal details with AI tools. Use privacy-focused browsers like DuckDuckGo for safer online experiences.

3. Data Breaches and Cyber Threats

AI systems are prime targets for hackers due to the vast data they hold. A 2024 report from the Internet Watch Foundation noted that weak security in AI platforms can lead to breaches, exposing children’s personal information to malicious actors. For instance, a 2023 breach in an AI-powered educational platform compromised thousands of students’ names, ages, and addresses.

The stakes are higher with AI-generated content like deepfakes, which can use children’s data (e.g., photos from social media) to create harmful material. The FBI’s 2024 alert on AI-driven sextortion schemes targeting minors underscores this growing threat.

Tip for Parents: Use parental control tools like Qustodio to monitor app activity. Teach kids to report suspicious messages and avoid uploading sensitive images to AI platforms.

4. Lack of Consent and Transparency

Children often can’t consent meaningfully to data collection due to their age, and parents may not fully understand AI terms of service. UNICEF’s 2021 research pointed out that AI systems rarely explain data use in kid-friendly language, leaving families in the dark. For example, voice-activated assistants like Alexa may record conversations indefinitely unless users manually delete them, as noted in a 2024 Consumer Reports study.

On X, @PrivacyAdvocate4Kids recently criticized AI companies for burying data practices in fine print, urging parents to demand clearer disclosures. This lack of transparency erodes trust and puts kids at risk.

Tip for Parents: Review privacy settings on all AI devices and apps. Opt out of data sharing where possible and delete stored data regularly (e.g., Alexa’s voice history).

5. Long-Term Digital Footprints

The data children share with AI today could haunt them later. AI systems can store information indefinitely, creating permanent digital footprints. A 2025 European Data Protection Board report warned that childhood data could be used to profile adults, impacting job opportunities or credit scores. For instance, an AI tutoring app might track a child’s academic struggles, which could resurface years later in unintended ways.

This concern resonates on X, where users like

@FutureProofFam

argue that kids’ AI interactions could “follow them forever” if not properly managed.

Tip for Parents: Limit data input to essential information only. Advocate for “right to be forgotten” policies that allow data deletion when kids reach adulthood.

How Parents Can Protect Children’s Privacy

Navigating AI privacy risks doesn’t mean banning technology—it’s about using it wisely. Here are actionable steps to safeguard your child’s data:

• Educate About Privacy: Explain to kids why sharing personal details with AI is risky. Use resources like Common Sense Media’s Privacy Toolkit for age-appropriate lessons.

• Choose Secure Platforms: Opt for AI tools with strong encryption and COPPA/GDPR compliance. Check reviews on sites like Common Sense Media before downloading.

• Monitor and Limit Use: Use parental controls (e.g., Mobicip, Bark) to track AI app activity. Set time limits to reduce data exposure.

• Advocate for Change: Support regulations like the EU’s AI Act (2024), which pushes for stricter child data protections. Engage with policymakers via platforms like Change.org.

• Model Good Habits: Show kids how to protect their privacy by managing your own AI use, like disabling unnecessary data-sharing features.

Aligning AI with Family Values

At Boncopia, we believe technology should uplift, not undermine, our social values. AI offers incredible potential to spark creativity and learning, but privacy risks demand vigilance. As FRANCE 24’s Guillaume Gougeon emphasized, families must balance AI’s benefits with its challenges to protect kids’ digital futures. The 2025 International AI Safety Report calls for global ethical standards to prioritize child safety, echoing the need for transparency and accountability.

By fostering AI literacy and advocating for stronger protections, parents can ensure AI serves as a tool for growth, not a threat to privacy.

Final Thoughts

AI is a powerful ally for children, but its privacy risks—from data exploitation to long-term digital footprints—require careful navigation. Parents play a crucial role in teaching kids to use AI responsibly while pushing for safer technologies. By staying informed and proactive, we can create a digital world where kids thrive without compromising their privacy.

What are your biggest concerns about AI and your child’s privacy? How do you balance tech use with safety in your home? Should companies do more to protect kids’ data? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your perspective!

Sources:

• FRANCE 24, “What are the risks of artificial intelligence for children?” (2025)

• UNICEF, “Children and AI” (2021)

• Internet Matters, “Artificially Intelligent?” (2024)

• Mobicip, “AI’s Impact on Kids” (2024)

• Children’s Commissioner for England, “AI and Child Safety” (2024)

• FBI, “AI-Driven Sextortion Alert” (2024)

• European Data Protection Board, “AI and Digital Footprints” (2025)

• Consumer Reports, “Smart Devices and Privacy” (2024)

• Posts on X reflecting parental concerns (2025)