AI Poses Greater Risks to Children Than Social Media, Ex Google Safety Chief Warns

Former Google safety chief has recently highlighted the substantial risks that artificial intelligence (AI) poses to children, surpassing those associated with social media. This warning brings renewed urgency to ongoing discussions about child safety, as outlined by a Chosunbiz report , which contrasts AI and social media threats.

Rapid AI Adoption Among Minors

According to recent UNICEF reports from June to September 2026, children are adopting AI technologies at a pace three times faster than adults. At least 20 million children across ten countries are using AI for various purposes, such as seeking guidance on personal issues or educational assistance. This rapid adoption occurs amid a backdrop of inadequate regulation, leaving young users vulnerable to misinformation, scams, and deepfake manipulation, particularly sexual deepfakes.

UNICEF's policy brief, "When AI Becomes a Friend" (June 2026), emphasizes the dangers of relational AI. Systems like chatbots and AI companions can distort social development by undermining resilience and fostering emotional dependencies. The brief calls for regulatory measures and built in AI safeguards to protect children's rights and well being.

Cognitive and Emotional Impacts

The American Psychological Association’s findings published in September 2026 express concerns about AI’s influence on young people's cognitive development. The study warns that AI’s quick solutions may impair executive functions, patience, and problem solving abilities. Interpol and UNICEF also highlight the dangers of AI generated misinformation and explicit material, including deepfake sexual content, which pose serious risks to children’s mental health and safety.

Comparing AI and Social Media Risks

AI and social media present distinct but overlapping risks to children. AI's primary dangers involve misinformation, privacy threats through data collection, and manipulation through personalized algorithms. In contrast, social media's risks include cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, addiction, and privacy concerns related to data sharing. Despite these differences, both platforms warrant stringent regulation, parental guidance, and digital literacy education to mitigate risks effectively.

Legislative and Protective Measures

In response, policymakers have launched several initiatives. For instance, the U.S. Congress passed the "AI Warnings And Resources for Education (AWARE) Act" in June 2026, aimed at providing educational resources on safe AI use. International bodies like UNICEF advocate for regulations that prohibit AI systems from manipulating or persuading children except where necessary, such as in medical scenarios.

As AI's role in everyday life continues to grow, understanding and addressing its implications for children remains a priority for regulators and child safety advocates worldwide.