Teen Tells Taoiseach: Protect Young People as AI Shapes Their Future
Swasti Sahoo takes over Taoiseach’s Office for UNICEF Ireland’s World Children’s Day #KidsTakeOver
DUBLIN, 19 November 2025 – As part of World Children’s Day celebrations this week, 16-year-old Swasti Sahoo visited the Department of the Taoiseach for UNICEF Ireland’s #KidsTakeOver earlier today.
During her time with Taoiseach Micheál Martin she spoke about the need to help young people acquire the skills and understanding they need to engage with Artificial Intelligence (AI) safely, ethically, and confidently and urged him to embed children’s rights into government policy
“AI is already shaping how young people think, learn and create”, says Swasti. “From TikTok algorithms deciding what we see, to ChatGPT influencing how we write, AI is quietly rewriting human behaviour, especially in teenagers.
“Without proper education, we risk a future where creativity, attention spans and original thought are dulled by dependence on algorithms. If we don’t teach students to question AI, AI will start deciding how students think.”
UNICEF’s Policy Guidance on AI for Children stresses that while AI can offer opportunities for learning and creativity, it also presents risks to children’s rights. Policymakers, educators, and industry must act now to ensure that children’s development, privacy, safety, and inclusion are at the heart of AI systems.
Revolution
Taoiseach Micheál Martin, said: “It was inspiring to hear from Swasti today on the critical importance of ensuring that our young people are equipped for the challenges and opportunities of the digital and AI revolution.
“Ensuring Online Safety is a priority for the Government, in particular the safety of vulnerable users, including children and young people, through effective implementation of our new Online Safety Framework.
“Through our revised National Digital and AI Strategy, we will take an inclusive approach to empower society and ensure our people, workers and businesses are equipped with the skills, literacy, trust and protections needed to thrive in a digital Ireland.”
Digital world
Peter Power, Executive Director of UNICEF Ireland, said: “Young people are growing up in a digital world whose consequences even its adult designers, developers, and policymakers are still trying to grasp.
“Swasti’s message is a powerful reminder that children’s rights cannot be an afterthought—they must be built into the foundations of AI technology.”
Swasti goes on to say, “Young people are the first generation growing up with AI and the last that can shape its direction.” Her takeover highlights the urgent need for youth-centred AI policy, and advocates for:
• AI literacy in schools: Ensuring every student has access to age-appropriate education and trained teachers.
• Youth voices in policymaking: Establishing a permanent Youth AI Advisory Panel.
• Rights-based safeguards: AI tools must respect privacy, be transparent, mitigate bias, and be age-appropriate.
• Inclusive access: Equal opportunities for all young people, particularly marginalised or disadvantaged youth, to learn about AI.
• Ongoing research and monitoring: Tracking AI’s impact on children to inform better policies.
Multimedia:
Photos and video of Swasti in the Taoiseach’s Office are available upon request.
About World Children’s Day and #KidsTakeOver
World Children’s Day, celebrated globally on 20 November, marks the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. UNICEF uses this day to give children a platform to speak about their lives, their rights, and their hopes. #KidsTakeOver allows young people to occupy key roles in government, media, and business, demonstrating the importance of including youth perspectives in decisions that shape their world.
For more information, please contact:
Vivienne Parry | UNICEF Ireland | +353 87 717 5344 | [email protected]