In the 21st century, childhood no longer takes place only on playgrounds\u2014it unfolds on screens. Children spend hours online every day\u2014playing games, learning, socializing. While technology opens the doors to knowledge and creativity, it also introduces serious risks: cyberbullying, online predators, exposure to inappropriate content, and digital manipulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this complex landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly stepping into the role of protector\u2014but only if used carefully, ethically, and with proper oversight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
AI on the Front Line of Defense<\/strong> On educational platforms such as Khan Academy and Google for Education, AI is used to detect potentially harmful communication between students and to alert educators, in line with privacy regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Behavioral Analytics: A Help or a Breach of Privacy?<\/strong> But how far is too far?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Sonia Livingstone, professor of psychology at the London School of Economics and a leading researcher in the field of children’s digital rights, warns: The Legal Framework\u2014and Its Gaps<\/strong> Yet, AI technologies are evolving faster than legislation. A 2021 UNICEF report warns that \u201cthe global legislative infrastructure is failing to keep up with the development of automated decision-making that directly affects children\u2019s lives.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n AI Tools in Parents\u2019 Hands\u2014With Caution<\/strong> However, OECD research shows that parents often lack proper understanding of how AI works, which can lead to excessive monitoring and erosion of trust between parents and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Global Recommendation: AI with Human Ethics<\/strong> Organizations like the 5Rights Foundation and the Center for Humane Technology advocate for the implementation of so-called \u201cdesign ethics,\u201d where products and algorithms are developed with consideration for age, cognitive development, and a child\u2019s right to privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Conclusion: AI Is Not a Guardian\u2014But It Can Be an Ally<\/strong> As Dr. Farid concluded at the Global Forum on Digital Child Safety: Autor: Olivera Kr\u010dadinac<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In a digital environment full of risks, artificial intelligence is emerging as a key tool for protecting children online. We explore global case studies, research, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding this technology. In the 21st century, childhood no longer takes place only on playgrounds\u2014it unfolds on screens. Children spend hours online every day\u2014playing games, learning, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":2101,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[175],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2102","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home-en"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lobisti.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2102","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lobisti.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lobisti.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lobisti.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lobisti.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2102"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/lobisti.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2102\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2107,"href":"https:\/\/lobisti.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2102\/revisions\/2107"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lobisti.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2101"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lobisti.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2102"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lobisti.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2102"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lobisti.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2102"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
On platforms like YouTube Kids and TikTok, AI algorithms automatically detect and remove content deemed inappropriate for children using machine learning and computer vision. However, as Dr. Hany Farid, professor of digital forensics at UC Berkeley and a pioneer in combating child exploitation online, emphasizes:
\u201cAlgorithms are powerful, but not infallible\u2014they require constant human oversight and adaptation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
More advanced systems utilize behavioral analytics to identify patterns that may indicate risky behaviors\u2014such as depression, anxiety, or exposure to abuse. For example, Bark Technologies employs AI to monitor messages, emails, and online activity, alerting parents to potentially harmful situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cChildren have the right to safety, but also to privacy. The balance between protection and control is delicate, and AI systems often cross that line without sufficient transparency.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Europe, the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) provide a framework for responsible use of AI in protecting children’s data. In the United States, the Children\u2019s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) safeguards those under 13 by restricting data collection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, parents can use various AI-powered apps such as Qustodio, Net Nanny, and the aforementioned Bark, which offer detailed insights into children\u2019s online activities along with recommendations for preventive measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A 2023 UNESCO report states: \u201cAI in child protection must be developed in accordance with human rights principles, transparency, and active child participation in decisions that affect them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Artificial intelligence is not a substitute for parenting, education systems, or the law. But with clear guidelines, ethical design, and cross-sector collaboration, it can become a powerful ally in building a digital world where children are not just users\u2014but safe, respected, and empowered participants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAI can help. But it must serve the child\u2014not the market.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n