Preparing children for an AI world
Project | Understanding the skills, attitudes and knowledge children need to thrive, and how to teach them
Project overview | Publications | Insights
What skills do children need to thrive in the age of AI?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of children’s everyday lives through search tools, chatbots and recommendation algorithms. Children now use AI to find information, complete schoolwork, learn new skills, seek advice and interact online. Together with exciting new opportunities, AI also exposes children to rapidly evolving risks.
To thrive in a world increasingly shaped by AI, children need a combination of skills and competencies in AI literacy, digital literacy, critical thinking, creativity, online safety awareness and an understanding of their rights in digital environments.
UNICEF Innocenti’s project on preparing children for an AI world explores what competencies children need and how to teach them through the formal education system so that children can thrive and participate safely and confidently in society.
The project brings together:
- Analysis of emerging evidence on children’s use of and perspectives on AI
- Consultations with children in five countries in Africa: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Mozambique, Senegal and Rwanda.
- Implementation research on how schools can teach AI-related competencies
- Futures-focused exercises with UNICEF Youth Foresight Fellows
The project aims to help governments, educators and technology companies answer key questions:
- What skills do children need in a world influenced by AI?
- How can schools teach these skills effectively?
- How can AI be used in ways that support children’s rights and well-being?