AI should not just be about automation and efficiency. It must be ethical, inclusive, and safe—especially for young users
Paris, France – Mtoto News took a leading role in championing child participation in artificial intelligence (AI) discussions at The Africa AI Village, a high-profile event held in Paris on February 11, 2025. The forum gathered policymakers, AI experts, and innovators to explore the role of AI in Africa and its implications for the continent’s future.
During a panel discussion, a Mtoto News child representative, Upendo Nawire emphasized the urgent need to integrate children’s perspectives into AI development. “Children are active users of AI-driven platforms, yet their voices are often missing in the conversations that shape these technologies. We must change that,” She stated.
Mtoto News highlighted that while AI presents numerous opportunities, it also poses risks, particularly in areas such as misinformation, privacy, and online safety. They stressed that children—who are among the most vulnerable users—must be protected through policies that consider their digital rights.
One of the key topics addressed was how AI can be leveraged to create safer online spaces for children. Upendo underscored the importance of developing AI tools that prioritize child protection. “AI should not just be about automation and efficiency. It must be ethical, inclusive, and safe—especially for young users,” she said.
Upendo from Mtoto News also brought attention to the organization’s ongoing initiative, It’s A FACT!, an 18-month project sponsored by Safe Online, designed to equip children with digital skills and online safety knowledge. “Through It’s A FACT!, we are working directly with children from Kenya, Malawi, and Mali, ensuring that their lived experiences shape the way we approach online safety and AI literacy,” Upendo said. She further emphasized the necessity of making AI understandable and accessible to children. “AI is shaping the digital world they interact with every day. If we don’t teach them about it, they will be left vulnerable to risks they don’t even recognize.”
She also called on AI developers to prioritize ethical AI practices that consider children’s perspectives. “We need to move beyond seeing children as passive consumers of AI. They should have a say in how these systems are designed and implemented,” she stated.
The discussion also underscored the importance of digital literacy, with a strong push to empower young people with the knowledge to navigate AI-driven platforms responsibly. “Children need to understand how AI works, how it affects their online experiences, and how they can protect themselves from harmful content and digital manipulation,”
Mtoto News reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that children’s needs are reflected in AI policies. They called on tech companies, governments, and educators to actively involve children when designing AI-powered platforms. “Children should not just be consumers of AI; they should be contributors to its development in a way that serves their best interests,”