February 10th is celebrated in over 100 countries Safer Internet Day 2026the World Internet Safety Day promoted by the European Commission. This year’s edition, entitled “Together for a better internet”, puts the theme ofArtificial intelligence and the safe and responsible use of smart technologies by minors.
According to UNICEF data, more than 1 in 5 10-year-old students in 26 out of 32 countries struggle to distinguish whether a website is reliable and in Italy between the ages of 9 and 16 many children do not have basic skills to manage privacy or create digital content safely. This scenario it gets even more complicated with the use of AI, a powerful tool but not without risks.
AI chatbot: curiosity and risks among young people
The use of chatbots based on Artificial Intelligence it is now widespread among Italian teenagers. According to an investigation by Telefono Azzurro, 1 in 3 kids between the ages of 12 and 18 use AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Gemini or Meta AI, especially for homework and study, but also to receive personal advice. About the 58% of teenagers rate their trust as high to these tools, and many perceive them as “” or useful for feeling less alone.
But along with the benefits, concrete risks emerge: 40% of young people fear one reduction of critical thinking35% a decline in real social relationshipsand over a third report the possibility of confusing reality and fiction. There is no shortage of privacy risks and potential digital dependencies.
The dark side of AI: sexualized images and deepfakes
UNICEF raises the alarm over the growing volume of AI-generated sexualized imageswhich in some cases involve photographs of children manipulated into sexually explicit deepfakes. In a study conducted together with ECPAT and INTERPOL in 11 countries, at least 1.2 million children reported experiences of having their images manipulated in the past year. In some contexts, this means 1 in 25 childrenan impressive and worrying figure for the digital safety of minors.
Nicola Graziano, President of UNICEF Italy, underlines that it is essential to accompany children in their development digital skills and critical spiritcreating safe and protective online environments, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The 9 golden rules for parents and caregivers
To help families and caregivers navigate the age of AI safely, UNICEF offers 9 practical tips:
- Start talking about AI early in a simple and concrete way.
- Keep in mind the risks of different digital tools.
- Use everyday examples to explain how AI works.
- Encourage educational use without replacing independent thinking.
- Protect privacy and teach what to share online.
- Learn together with your children to stay up to date.
- Watch for signs of excessive or emotionally problematic use.
- Talk openly with the school about digital activities and assignments.
- Keep AI in perspective by prioritizing relationships, routines and children’s real interests.
Growing up safely in a connected world
Safer Internet Day serves as a reminder that AI can be a tool for learning and inclusionbut without rules and supervision the risks for minors increase significantly. Parents, schools and institutions have the task of guide children and adolescents in safe, responsible and conscious use of technology, protecting their growth, mental health and online safety.
