Artificial intelligence experts say children’s views must be considered in ethical creation of AI, ahead of the world’s first children’s AI summit organised by the Alan Turing Institute and taking place today in partnership with Queen Mary University London.
The event today brings together over 100 children to explore how AI impacts them and how they can shape its future. Through interactive sessions, children and young people from the age of 8 to 18 will share their views on how AI can positively impact their lives and discuss concerns they have about the technology.
Their views will form a children’s manifesto on the future of AI which will be presented at the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris on the 10 and 11 February - a global event attended by Heads of State and Government from around the world, leaders of international organisations, tech companies, academics and NGOs.
Children are the group who are most impacted by advances in AI. They are exposed to the technology from a very young age shaping how they learn and interact with the world. But they are the most underrepresented group in decisions relating to its design, development and deployment as well as in policy-making and regulatory discussions.
Through competition entries ahead of the summit children have already said they would like AI to be used to support their education through personalised learning and to help children with learning difficulties, autism, ADHD or dyslexia.
They believe it should also be used to keep children and others safe online by making sure children don’t inadvertently view inappropriate material, and offline by helping with road safety or supporting people with disabilities.
They are also particularly interested in how AI could be used to protect the environment and lead to scientific breakthroughs.
They have expressed concerns including an over-reliance on AI leading to feelings of isolation, an invasion of privacy, difficulty distinguishing between real and AI generated content online, its impact on the environment and the bias that AI systems can introduce.
Dr Mhairi Aitken, Senior Ethics Fellow at the Alan Turing Institute, said: “AI technology continues to advance at a rapid pace but so far children have been overlooked in discussions around AI policy or regulation and children’s unique experiences with the technology are not well understood by decision makers in AI policy or industry.
“Involving children in these discussions is absolutely essential to advancing responsible innovation to realise the potential value that AI can bring. That’s why we’re so excited to have the opportunity to hear from these children and to bring their views to the AI Action Summit in Paris where important decisions on the future of AI will be made.”
Dr Jean Innes, CEO at the Alan Turing Institute will respond to children’s messages at the event. She said: “We’re really pleased to be organising such an important event with a great team of partners, building on four years of research and engagement by our Children & AI team in advancing child-centred approaches to AI. This world first summit represents a unique opportunity to ensure that young voices are part of the conversations shaping the future of AI, ensuring that the development of AI is inclusive and beneficial to all.”
Department for Education Minister for Early Education, Stephen Morgan, said: “Through our Plan for Change, we are determined to drive high and rising standards for every child so we can break down the barriers to opportunity – and that includes access to tech innovations for all.
“This government is putting children at the heart of policy making, and I am personally committed to putting their voices at the heart of our work on AI. It is fantastic to hear some of the children involved in this landmark summit are already supportive of AI’s potential for education. The government is funding development of AI tools that will be safer and more reliable for classroom use – including tools that support teachers to give more personalised feedback and create tailored learning plans for students.
“Our focus is on harnessing the potential of AI to save time on school admin so teachers can focus on delivering brilliant lessons. We will continue to explore an understanding of how it can be used effectively and safely by students.”
Professor David Leslie, Professor of Ethics, Technology and Society at Queen Mary University of London’s Digital Environment Research Institute, said: “I am very proud that Queen Mary University is hosting this world-first event, which puts children’s voices at the heart of discussions about how AI impacts their lives, today and in the future. In hearing first hand from children what they believe to be the pros and cons of AI, we can ensure that policies developed around the use of AI take their views into account.”
Anna Rafferty, Senior Vice President of Digital Consumer Engagement, the LEGO Group said: "As AI becomes increasingly part of our daily lives, it's essential to gain a deeper understanding of its impact on children. We must prioritise their needs and perspectives in AI development, ensuring children have agency to join discussions and participate in actively shaping the technology that will influence their futures. The Children's AI Summit is a vital step in amplifying young voices and ensuring that the future of AI is inclusive and truly reflective of the aspirations and concerns of the next generation."
The event is supported by the LEGO Group, Elevate Great, and EY, with collaboration from the NSPCC, National Youth Theatre, the PSHE Association, Teens in AI, 5RightsFoundation, Children’s Parliament and Children’s Media Foundation.
The Children’s AI Summit has been included in the programme of side events that contribute to the debate on the different themes of the AI Action summit, labelled ‘On the Road to the 2025 AI Action Summit’.