Findings from AlgoWatch and the EU Kids Online network were recently showcased at the Irish Presidency Conference on Online Safety for Children and Young People at Dublin Castle.

Prof. Aphra Kerr (UCD & ADAPT) and Prof. Giovanna Mascheroni (Università Cattolica, Milan) co-led a workshop titled ‘Children and Generative AI: Use, Understanding and Misunderstanding’, examining how minors navigate and perceive emerging AI technologies.

The event launched the EU Kids Online 2026 Survey, presented by Prof. Elisabeth Staksrud and supported locally by Coimisiún na Meán. Surveying 27,000 children across 17 European nations, it offers the most comprehensive study of youth digital practices and risks to date as the network marks its 20th year.

Featuring addresses from European Commissioners Henna Virkkunen and Michael McGrath, alongside youth forum delegates and Irish ministers, the conference preceded the European Commission’s proposed EU Kids Act to regulate online platforms, games, and AI chatbots used by minors.