Child AI collision tests: independent laboratory evaluates risks in tools for children

From now on, Brazilian and worldwide families have gained a heavy ally in child digital security. The Youth AI Safety Institute (YASI), launched by Common Sense Media, is an independent laboratory dedicated to performing what its creators call 'collider tests' in artificial intelligence tools aimed at children and adolescents. To better understand the risks involved, check out our full guide on child safety in AI. The initiative promises to fill a critical gap: the absence of impartial and systematic assessments of the risks that chatbots, virtual assistants and educational platforms with AI may pose to the young public.

How does Youth AI Safety Institute test child safety in AI?

The Institute will act in a similar way to automotive safety laboratories. Instead of cars, the crash tests will be applied to AI models, evaluating aspects such as exposure to harmful content, data privacy, algorithmic bias and age adequacy. Technology companies can submit their tools voluntarily. The YASI will then apply a battery of standardized tests, developed in partnership with specialists in child psychology, pedagogy and cyber security. The results will be public, allowing families and educators to make informed decisions about which tools are safe for the use of children.

Why is child security in AI urgent?

The proliferation of AI tools – from study assistants to content generators – reached children at an increasingly early age. Without specific regulation in Brazil and in much of the world, it is up to families to discern risks that are often invisible. According to the original source (CNN), the director of YASI stated that 'we cannot expect children and parents to be experts in AI security'. The organization has already been monitoring the market and has identified that even popular generating AI tools can display inappropriate behaviors for minors, such as unfiltered responses or excessive collection of personal data. The initiative comes at a time when the consistency of the AI is the biggest challenge for public confidence, as the investor Mark Cuban warned.

What should Brazilian parents know about child safety in AI?

Although YASI is based in the United States, its tests and reports will be globally accessible on the Internet. Brazilian families may consult the evaluations before allowing their children to use any AI-based application or platform. In addition, the organization promises that established security benchmarks will serve as a reference for technology companies working in Brazil, encouraging safer practices. For educators and school managers, YASI also plans to publish practical guides for safe implementation of AI in the classroom.

Frequently Asked Questions about child safety in AI

What is Youth AI Safety Institute?

It is an independent laboratory created by Common Sense Media to assess the safety of artificial intelligence tools aimed at children and adolescents, issuing public reports and establishing safety standards.

How can families access the test results?

The results will be available free of charge on the institute's website, with safety notes, age recommendations and detailed analysis of each tool tested.

When will the first tests be released?

YASI has not yet released an official calendar, but the first reports are expected to be published in the second half of 2026.