Children’s right to participation in AI: Exploring transnational co-creative approaches to foster child-inclusive AI policy and practice

Abstract

The right to participation in matters related to children is a fundamental right of every child. AI systems are emerging in all contexts of children’s lives, both in the US and EU, yet children’s voices are often ignored in AI policy and practice, particularly children from historically marginalised communities. This article explores the policy and practice gaps in Europe and the US and the lack of children’s participation in AI at the global level. Current AI policies and practices discount the transnational implications of AI on children’s lives and their rights in the context of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). The article calls for co-creative approaches which should be implemented transnationally to elevate the benefits of the inclusion of children in AI policy and practice – not only as users but also as contributors and innovators. This approach offers AI systems and policies that are more inclusive and children-friendly. By offering children more agency as contributors and innovators, children would gain more power compared to only being users. We propose that the balance in transnational power dynamics in AI policy and practice could become reversed. Ultimately, children’s increased agency as innovators in shaping AI practices can offer mutual benefits for children’s individual and social development, inclusive AI policy, and innovation practice.