Young people are anxious about job displacement by artificial intelligence (AI) according to new research from the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI).
The report, which is based on a series of Citizen Youth Juries, recommends stronger protections for entry level work, clearer regulation of AI use by employers, and significant investment in retraining.
Another recommendation called on the Government to incentivise companies to retain human jobs.
The research also found that young people are concerned about the impact of AI on the environment, as well as AI misinformation and radicalisation.
AI in education
Worries were expressed about a widening digital divide caused by unequal access to technology.
The youth juries called for clear guidelines for AI use in schools and youth work settings, as well as a publicly owned AI tool for students to support learning and reduce the digital divide.
The youth panels highlighted the significant risks to young people relying on AI chatbots for emotional support, mental‑health advice, or companionship.
They called for stronger safeguards around AI chatbots and companions.
Social media bans
The juries opposed bans on social media or AI for under‑16s, but called for differentiated rules for younger children.
These would include greater transparency and control over recommender algorithms, particularly for users under 16.
Overall, the youth panels expressed optimism about AI’s potential, but also voiced strong concerns about safety, fairness, transparency, and environmental responsibility.
They called for stronger, more transparent, and youth‑centred AI regulation.
“AI must be governed in a way that protects the rights and wellbeing of young people, strengthens public trust, and ensures equitable access to the benefits of technological progress,” according to the report’s findings.
Public education campaign
NYCI is calling on the Government to develop a public education campaign on artificial intelligence, with a particular focus on young people and the adults who support them.
“AI is already shaping how young people learn, communicate, access information and understand the world around them,” said Mick Ferron, CEO of the National Youth Council of Ireland.
“But young people have been clear through this process: they do not want to be left to figure this out alone,” Mr Ferron said.
Nathan Geszczak, aged 16, took part in the AI Youth Juries.
“There is sometimes an assumption that young people are ‘digital natives’ who automatically understand new technologies,” Mr Geszczak said.
“What we heard through the juries is that young people need far more support, including practical education and accessible information we can trust,” he added.
The NYCI report was produced in partnership with the Ombudsman for Children’s Office and the Insight Research Centre for Data Analytics at DCU.
“AI is not designed with children in mind, and children are most exposed to experiencing AI-related harm,” said Dr Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children.
“Government and regulators must include a special focus on children and adopt a child rights approach when developing policies and laws in this area,” Dr Muldoon said.
