AI Regulation for Children: Experts Urge Protective Measures

Artificial intelligence is everywhere—in our phones, our schools, and even our homes. But as AI becomes more powerful, a pressing question looms: Are we doing enough to protect children from its risks? The answer, according to a growing chorus of AI experts, child advocates, and policymakers, is a resounding “not yet.” As of June 3, 2025, the debate over AI regulation is heating up, with new legislation and enforcement actions targeting the unique vulnerabilities of kids in a digital world.

Why Children Need Special Protection in the AI Era

Children are particularly susceptible to AI’s pitfalls—whether it’s privacy violations, exposure to harmful content, or the manipulation of personal data. As AI models become more sophisticated, so do the risks. Deepfakes, for instance, can be used to create realistic, non-consensual images and videos of minors, a trend that’s already prompting alarm among parents and educators. Meanwhile, AI-driven social scoring and emotion detection systems raise ethical questions about surveillance and psychological impact on young users[5].

Consider this: a recent investigation by the Texas Attorney General found that several tech companies were failing to adequately protect minors’ data, prompting warnings that state authorities are ready to enforce existing privacy laws more aggressively[5]. And it’s not just Texas—California is leading the charge with its proposed Leading Ethical Development of AI (LEAD) Act, which would require parental consent before a child’s data is used to train AI models and establish strict standards for AI systems targeting kids[5].

The Push for Regulation: What’s Happening Now

The urgency to regulate AI for child safety is reflected in a flurry of legislative activity across the U.S. and globally. In Congress, the “Protecting Our Children in an AI World Act of 2025” (H.R.1283) is gaining traction, aiming to set federal standards for how AI interacts with minors[3]. At the same time, the National Conference of State Legislatures reports that dozens of new AI-related bills are being introduced in statehouses nationwide, targeting everything from data privacy to algorithmic transparency[2].

But here’s the twist: as lawmakers work to catch up with technology, some proposed bills could actually slow down progress. A provision in President Trump’s “One, Big, Beautiful Bill”—currently before the Senate—would ban states from enacting their own AI regulations for the next decade. Child protection advocates, led by Common Sense Media, are pushing hard to remove this provision, arguing that it would strip states of the ability to protect kids from emerging threats like AI-generated deepfakes and other harmful content[1].

Jim Steyer, founder and CEO of Common Sense Media, minced no words: “You have to remember that Congress has been missing in action for 25 years in this area… They’ve passed no important bills regulating the tech industry since the late 1990s.”[1] His organization is urging lawmakers to leave the door open for state-level innovation, especially when federal action lags.

Real-World Applications and Risks

Let’s look at some concrete examples. AI-powered apps and platforms are increasingly popular among children and teens, offering everything from homework help to social networking. But these tools can also collect vast amounts of personal data—sometimes without clear parental consent. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been stepping up enforcement, settling with an app owner earlier this year for $20 million after it allowed children under 16 to make in-app purchases without parental approval and misled kids about the costs[5].

Meanwhile, AI-generated content is proliferating. I’m thinking of the recent wave of deepfake videos targeting teens, which have been linked to cyberbullying and emotional distress. The United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) is working to help law enforcement agencies around the world leverage AI for child protection, but the technology also presents new challenges for policing and safeguarding minors[4].

The Role of Industry and International Efforts

Tech companies are under increasing pressure to self-regulate. In response, some have introduced new privacy features and age verification tools. But critics argue that voluntary measures aren’t enough—especially when children’s data is a lucrative commodity for targeted advertising and AI training.

Globally, organizations like UNICRI are building capacity for law enforcement to use AI for good—detecting online predators, identifying harmful content, and supporting victims. Their “AI for Safer Children” initiative aims to harness AI’s positive potential while mitigating its risks[4].

Comparing Approaches: U.S. vs. International

To get a sense of how different jurisdictions are handling AI and child safety, consider the following comparison:

This table highlights the patchwork of approaches—some focused on strict regulation, others on enforcement or international cooperation.

Historical Context and Future Outlook

The current debate isn’t happening in a vacuum. For decades, policymakers have struggled to keep pace with technological change. The last major federal tech regulation in the U.S. came in the late 1990s, a lifetime ago in internet years. Since then, the rise of social media, mobile apps, and now generative AI has created a regulatory void that advocates are desperate to fill.

Looking ahead, the stakes are high. Without robust regulation, children could face unprecedented risks—from data exploitation to psychological harm. But with the right safeguards, AI could also be a powerful tool for education, safety, and empowerment.

Different Perspectives: Regulation vs. Innovation

Not everyone agrees on the best path forward. Some tech industry leaders warn that overregulation could stifle innovation and limit the benefits AI can offer to children. Others, like child protection advocates, argue that the risks are too great to ignore.

By the way, I’ve followed AI for years, and it’s striking how quickly the conversation has shifted. Just a few years ago, most people were focused on AI’s potential to revolutionize education. Now, the focus is on protecting kids from its darker side.

Real-World Impacts and What Parents Can Do

For parents, the landscape is daunting. How do you keep your child safe in a world where AI can mimic voices, generate fake images, and manipulate emotions? Experts recommend staying informed, using parental controls, and advocating for stronger regulations.

As someone who’s seen both the promise and perils of AI, I’m convinced that transparency and accountability are key. Tech companies must be held to high standards, and parents need clear information about how their children’s data is being used.

Conclusion and Forward-Looking Insights

The conversation about AI and child safety is only beginning. As legislation and enforcement efforts ramp up, we’re likely to see more clashes between advocates for regulation and defenders of innovation. But one thing is clear: protecting children in the age of AI requires a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach—combining the power of technology with the wisdom of policy and the vigilance of parents.

Excerpt for Article Preview:
AI experts and child advocates urge urgent regulation to protect children from AI risks, as new laws, enforcement actions, and global initiatives aim to safeguard minors’ privacy and well-being[1][5][4].

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