Harvard Centre Launches Research Initiative on AI and Youth Safety

The Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University has announced a new research initiative to understand how artificial intelligence is affecting and shaping young people's lives, and to strengthen accountability across the AI ecosystem. The work will be carried out in collaboration with Common Sense Media's Youth AI Safety Institute.

The initiative addresses a plain fact: today's young people are the first generation to grow up with AI as a constant presence in education, social interaction, and the delivery of information. Yet many fundamental questions about how these systems influence learning, development, decision-making, and wellbeing remain unanswered.

Research teams led by Harvard faculty will work alongside scientists, fellows, programme leaders, and students. A central focus will be strengthening the emerging practice of evaluation and benchmarking for the safety and wellbeing of children and teenagers.

The Center noted several priorities for the work:

• developing rigorous methods to evaluate the effects of AI on young people
• convening experts from academia, industry, civil society, and government to assess findings and identify new questions
• translating evidence into practical guidance for parents, educators, policymakers, and developers

Faculty Director Professor Jonathan Zittrain said the institutions, methods, and benchmarks needed to evaluate AI are still catching up to the technology itself, and that rigorous evaluation is essential to understanding its effects on young people. The initiative is supported through the Common Sense Media Catalyst Fund for AI & Youth Safety at the Center.

This report is based on original reporting by the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society, Harvard University.