Concerns have been expressed about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots by children amid warnings of inadequate safeguards.
Online safety charity CyberSafeKids said young children are being exposed to misinformation, privacy violations and harmful advice.
It is calling for greater regulation of AI chatbots at EU level.
New research from CyberSafeKids shows a big increase in AI chatbot usage among 8-15 year olds.
The charity’s annual Trends & Usage Report is based on a survey of over 9,000 children.
It found that the most popular use of chatbots was to look up information, some said they used chatbots to produce their school work while others use AI chatbots to chat and get advice.
According to the research, smartphone ownership among children has fallen, reflecting the success of community campaigns to delay the age children are given phones.
However, ownership of tablets and games consoles has risen over the last four years.
New regulations mean platforms are required to have age verification measures in place, but according to CyberSafeKids high numbers of eight to 12 year olds are using social media and instant messaging apps with minimum age limits of 13.
The most popular apps remain YouTube, WhatsApp, Snapchat and TikTok.
Respondents to the survey highlighted disturbing content that they had encountered on Roblox and YouTube
Examples cited involved sexualised behaviour and harassment by bad actors on Roblox, as well as disturbing content on YouTube Shorts.
CyberSafeKids CEO Alex Cooney said: “We are still struggling to effectively regulate social media, and those same mistakes are being repeated with the unchecked rise of generative AI.
“We need urgent action, not just in Ireland, but across Europe.
“This requires strong, coordinated regulation at EU level, including effective age verification, the removal of recommender systems, and oversight of AI chatbots, instant messaging, and social gaming platforms.”
“These measures must be backed by robust parental engagement and comprehensive digital education.”
Dr Barry O’Leary is the Principal of St Kevin’s National School in Sallynoggin in Dublin.
“Disturbingly high levels of harmful online experiences persist, made more so by the fact that over 75% of children have unfettered access to online content in their bedrooms – and over half of children have not spoken with their parents about online safety in the past year,” Dr O’Leary said.
“These conversations are not optional but urgent, they are not a luxury but a necessary lifeline against the surging torrent of digital content to which children are exposed daily,” he added.
