A new global study highlights how artificial intelligence is becoming a major part of children’s online activity in South Africa and around the world, raising fresh concerns about digital safety and parental awareness.
New research by Kaspersky shows that AI-powered platforms are now embedded in children’s daily digital behaviour, alongside social media, gaming and streaming services.
The study, based on anonymised data from Kaspersky Safe Kids (January–February 2026), found that AI-related apps and services account for a quarter of all Google searches by children.
Popular tools include OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, Character.AI, Microsoft Copilot, Grok and DeepSeek.
Researchers said the trend shows how quickly AI is becoming part of children’s everyday routines, used for learning, entertainment and interaction.
