Kaspersky Predicts Children’s Interest in Artificial Intelligence Will More Than Double by 2025
Overview of Children's Digital Engagement
In its comprehensive annual report, Kaspersky explores the evolving digital habits of children between May 2024 and April 2025. The study highlights a notable surge in interest towards AI-driven chatbots, viral Italian memes, and music-based rhythm games that are captivating young audiences worldwide.
While YouTube continues to dominate as the most frequented application among children, there is a remarkable rise in WhatsApp's popularity, now overtaking TikTok as the second most-used app. This shift underscores changing preferences in social media engagement among the younger demographic.
Screen Time and Parental Guidance
Research indicates that children aged 8 to 10 years spend an average of six hours daily in front of screens, whereas those aged 11 to 14 years are immersed for about nine hours. As digital exposure deepens, parents are encouraged to actively supervise their children's platform choices, search behaviors, and online interests.
Emergence of AI in Children's Digital Lives
Kaspersky's latest findings reveal that during 2023-2024, AI applications previously absent from top app lists are now gaining prominence. For instance, the platform Character.AI demonstrates how children are increasingly integrating AI tools into their daily digital routines. Search queries involving AI chatbots have more than doubled from the previous year, representing about 7.5% of all search activities.
However, this rapid adoption presents potential risks, especially if user-generated content isn't properly moderated. Exposure to inappropriate or harmful material remains a concern. It is highly recommended that families maintain open dialogue about AI usage, set clear boundaries, and leverage dedicated digital parenting tools to ensure safe online experiences.
Popular Apps and Cultural Trends in Turkey
In Turkey, the most downloaded Android applications include YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Brawl Stars. Interestingly, Character.AI has climbed to the 16th position on the list of popular apps. Additionally, meme culture continues to influence children’s digital worlds, with some Italian expressions rapidly spreading as humorous jokes across social platforms.
Emerging Gaming Trends and Content Preferences
Among new gaming phenomena, the browser-based Sprunki stands out for its innovative fusion of music, visual interaction, and rhythm gameplay, capturing the attention of young users. Its rising popularity is reflected in increased Google search interest and YouTube viewership.
Video content remains a dominant activity among children online. While YouTube maintains its leading position, WhatsApp has seen significant growth, becoming the second most used app. Conversely, platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Facebook have experienced declines in usage rates.
Content Platforms and Gaming Preferences
Children favor streaming services such as Netflix, Twitch, and Disney+ for their engaging video content. In the gaming sphere, popular choices include Roblox, Minecraft, and web-based game portals like Poki.
Recommendations for Parents and Guardians
To safeguard children in the digital landscape, Kaspersky suggests the following measures:
- Foster open communication about online risks and responsible internet use.
- Implement reliable security software to monitor and protect children’s digital activities.
- Regularly review and supervise the platforms and content children engage with.
- Utilize specialized digital parenting applications to set boundaries and ensure safe browsing experiences.
This report is based on anonymous data collected from users of the Kaspersky Safe Kids application over the specified period, providing valuable insights into the digital behaviors of children from May 2024 to April 2025.