Kaspersky has just published an annual report on cybersecurity based on children's interests on digital platforms.
In the period from May 2024 to April 2025, data analysis shows that children are increasingly interested in AI-based chatbots, along with the Italian trend of tralalero tralala - a brainrot meme style (images, GIFs, short clips of low-quality or low-value content).
In addition, Sprunki, a musical game that combines rhythm and movement, is also popular with many children. Along with that, YouTube continues to maintain its position as the most popular platform for children globally, while WhatsApp surpasses TikTok to become the second most popular.
Every year, new digital trends shape the way children explore and approach the world around them. Kaspersky's report this year shows a significant increase in children's interest in AI tools.
If in the period of 2023 - 2024, no AI application is on the list of 20 most popular applications for children, this year, the platform "Character.AI" has officially been on the list. That shows that children are not only curious about AI but also proactively integrate this technology into their daily digital lives.
According to statistics, more than 7.5% of all of children's search keywords are related to AI chatbots, with prominent names such as ChatGPT, Gemini and especially Character.AI - a platform that allows users to create or chat with chatbots that simulate fictional characters or real-life celebrities.
Meanwhile, the 2023-2024 period recorded only 3.19% of keywords related to AI, and this number has doubled this year, showing the growing interest of children in this technology.
However, not all interactions with AI chatbots are completely harmless. Children may be exposed to shocking content, misinformation, or age-appropriate topics when interacting with some chatbots, especially bot created or customized by other users.
Since these platforms often rely on user-contributed content and may lack strict censorship mechanisms, it is extremely necessary to talk openly to children about how to use AI tools.
At the same time, parents should also proactively set up digital monitoring applications to be able to always monitor, accompany and protect children effectively in the digital space.
To help children watch their favorite shows safely, Kaspersky recommends that parents take the following measures:
- Maintain open communication with children about online risks and develop clear principles to ensure their safety when using digital devices.
- Protect children's gaming experience by installing reliable security software such as helping to prevent the risk of downloading malicious files.
- Regularly update with new threats and proactively monitor children's online activities to create a safer digital environment.
- Introduce basic knowledge about cybersecurity through free tools, help children get acquainted with key concepts, safety rules when online and how to prevent fraud.
- Use parental support applications to protect children in the online environment, manage device usage time, block inappropriate content and track location.
