European Children’s Online Safety: New Comparative Study Reveals Growing Risks

The EU Kids Online 2026 comparative study, drawing on a representative survey of 28,465 children aged 10–16 across 19 European countries conducted between April 2025 and April 2026, paints a concerning picture of young people’s digital experiences.

Widespread Device Use and AI Adoption

Across the 19 surveyed European countries, 87% of children aged 10–16 use a smartphone or mobile phone to go online every day. Around two-thirds of children in these countries regularly use AI tools, particularly for educational and practical purposes.

Safety Concerns Dominate Children’s Attitudes

Only 48% of children aged 10–16 across the 19 European countries say they feel safe online. The proportion of children reporting they had been bothered or upset by something online in the past month increased significantly from 7% in 2020 to 23% in the 2026 survey.

Three in ten children aged 10–16 encounter hateful messages online at least monthly, with geographic variation ranging from 15% in Ireland to 40% in Serbia. Additionally, 40% of children across the 19 European countries report encountering gory or violent images online.

Mixed Optimism and Worry About AI

While 37% of children aged 10–16 surveyed hope AI will increase human creativity, and around one-third believe new technologies will reduce the time people spend on boring activities, significant concerns persist. Four in ten children surveyed worry that AI-based technologies consume too many natural resources and damage the environment. Similarly, four in ten children surveyed worry that AI may surpass human intelligence in ways that make it impossible for humans to retain control.

Parental Engagement Declining

Half of children aged 10–16 say their parents talk to them about what they do online, compared with 66% in 2020—a notable decline in parental dialogue around digital activities.

Source: LSE – EU Kids Online