The research study explored how children and young people (up to 24 years of age) use generative AI and understand its benefits and risks for children and young people in Nepal. It also identified existing legal and policy frameworks and gaps in Nepal related to generative AI and the protection of children. Further, it developed a set of actionable recommendations for duty-bearers on creating a protective environment for children in the digital age, particularly from the malicious use of generative AI.

The study used a mixed methodology to collect primary and secondary data, incorporating the methods of 8 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), 2 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), online surveys for 631 respondents and a systematic desktop review of the literature.

The findings indicated that 68% of the respondents were aware of Generative AI, and the most popular platform used was ChatGPT, mainly for educational and entertainment purposes. The major negative impacts identified by the study include cyberbullying, privacy and ethical concerns, Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and Online Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OSEA), biased content, misinformation/ disinformation, and implications for cognitive development, creativity and critical thinking skills; the latter being considered one of the significant risks of generative AI to children and young people.

The research uncovered a significant need for digital advocacy and awareness among users about the potential dangers of misusing generative AI tools. Parents, teachers, and guardians lack awareness and education regarding protecting their children online using such tools. There is also a lack of space for such conversations between children and adults at home and school, increasing the vulnerability to risk. Such situations further contribute to the risks and make children and young people even more prone to the negative impacts of generative AI tools. The study concluded that to address these challenges, stakeholders—including the government, tech companies, educators, parents, and children themselves—must work together to ensure that children can safely navigate the digital world. This can be achieved through a combination of education, regulation, and technological solutions.