AI interest children is surging in the Middle East, according to a study from Kaspersky that highlights growing engagement with artificial intelligence tools among young people. The research, using anonymized data from Kaspersky Safe Kids analyzed in January and February 2026, shows that AI-related apps and services account for a quarter of all Google searches by children, signaling a significant shift in how young people engage with digital platforms.
With internet penetration in the Middle East exceeding 70 percent and children accessing digital platforms at increasingly younger ages, the shift carries implications for family digital safety. Tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Character.AI, Microsoft Copilot, Grok, and DeepSeek rank among the most popular services, showing how deeply artificial intelligence has become integrated into children’s everyday digital experiences across the region.
Anna Larkina, web content analysis expert at Kaspersky, said: “Your child is almost certainly using AI tools and may be more comfortable with them than you are. Rather than restricting access outright, the most effective approach is to explore these tools together, set boundaries around their use, and help children understand what AI can and cannot do reliably. Kaspersky Safe Kids can support parents in monitoring and guiding their children’s digital journey without relying on blunt restrictions alone.”
Content Consumption Patterns
Communication-related searches rank second overall among children, driven largely by social platforms including Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. Video streaming services led by YouTube and Netflix follow closely. YouTube remains the primary content platform for children in the Middle East, accounting for nearly one-third of all app time, a pattern consistent with global trends.
WhatsApp and TikTok rank as the second and third most popular apps among children in the region. These platforms continue to play a central role in how children connect, consume content, and express themselves online.
Top Search Trends Among Middle Eastern Children
Music leads YouTube search trends by a significant margin, driven by K-pop alongside strong interest in cartoons and content creators. Sports also captured considerable attention from children, with searches led by the Premier League and Arsenal F.C. The National Basketball Association season drew interest, along with the 2026 Winter Olympics, reflecting children’s curiosity about major international sporting events.
Recommendations for Digital Safety
To help ensure children’s digital safety and support healthier online habits, Kaspersky recommends maintaining open communication about potential online risks. Parents should establish clear guidelines and explore AI tools together with children rather than imposing blanket restrictions.
The company also recommends installing trusted security solutions to prevent malicious file downloads during gaming. Staying informed about emerging threats and actively monitoring children’s online activities helps create a safer digital environment. Digital parenting apps like Kaspersky Safe Kids protect children both online and offline, manage screen time, block inappropriate content, and track their location.
About the Research
Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. The company has protected over one billion devices from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks. Kaspersky serves millions of individuals and nearly 200,000 corporate clients globally, offering digital life protection for personal devices, specialized security products for companies, and cyber immune solutions to fight sophisticated digital threats.
