Navigating a Connected World With Confidence

The Future Report gathers insights from 7,000 teens across Europe, exploring their experiences with AI, digital wellbeing and the need for a balanced approach to navigating technology’s challenges.

The digital realm is undeniably central to young people’s lives, a trend set to continue. To address the unique challenges this presents, Michael McGrath, EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, leads efforts to safeguard Europe’s youth online. Earlier this year at an expert event on kids’ online safety hosted by Google, Commissioner
McGrath underscored the European Commission’s commitment to this critical issue, stating, »Growing up in a digital world now intrinsic to young people’s lives.(...) From consuming services to engaging in social media and video games, the online realm is central to their daily experiences.... Our paramount priority is establishing a robust framework to ensure the safety of minors online, and we must acknowledge the significant challenges.«

As McGrath advances this important work, he is joined by governments across Europe grappling with the question of how to ensure young people can access the benefits of technology while also protecting them. As policymakers and regulators forge ahead with these vital protections, it remains increasingly critical to hear perspectives and experiences of young people. This arrives alongside The Future Report, a new and comprehensive research initiative co-created by youth research experts at Livity and teens themselves, and supported by Google and a network of expert partners. The report sheds light on the perspectives of over 7,000 teenagers aged 13-18 across seven European nations. The report explores how young people navigate their digital lives, interact with artificial intelligence, strive for digital wellbeing and envision the future of technology. It paints a picture of a generation deeply immersed in the online world, yet discerning about its opportunities and challenges, and eager to harness technology for learning, creativity and connection.

AI: Exploring the benefits and boundaries
The report reveals that AI is rapidly becoming integrated into teens’ lives. The majority use AI tools for learning and creative tasks, such as schoolwork (43%) and research (35%), and find them helpful for explaining difficult topics or providing instant answers. The report also shows teens are thoughtful about trustworthiness and accuracy; as Aleksander, 18, from Poland, shared, »I don’t quite trust this artificial intelligence, because I’ve been let down a few times. (...) I asked it to summarise a required reading – but what it described never actually happened.« This highlights awareness of the limitations: teens recognise AI’s potential, but they also express caution about accuracy, misinformation and the risk of over-reliance. As Jack, 17, from Ireland, succinctly put it, »AI can be a shortcut, but it shouldn’t do the thinking for you.« Crucially, teens feel schools are lagging behind;there’s frustration when teachers use AI but prohibit student use for homework, with over a quarter (25%) reporting no approved AI tools in schools. Teens desire more guidance from educators on how to best navigate and utilise AI, emphasising the need for AI literacy to understand not just how to use tools, but when it’s appropriate.

Digital wellbeing: seeking balance and connection
The report also shows that teens are actively striving for digital wellbeing. While a majority (57%) feel that their online and offline lives are »balanced«, achieving this balance isn’t always easy. Teens grapple with »fear of missing out« and the pressure to stay constantly updated online. As Cáit, 16, from Ireland, explained, »If you’re not on it, then you don’t really understand the jokes, you don’t really understand what’s happening in school, you don’t really understand what everyone’s talking about.« Parents and family members are the most trusted source of advice on healthy online habits. The report reveals that the majority (54%) of teens indicate their parents use strategies or tools to manage their online activity. With over a third (35%) reporting their parents have never done so, and 12% being ›unsure‹, this highlights gaps that need to be further addressed.

Shaping the future of tech: a collaborative approach
Commissioner McGrath emphasised the importance of collaboration in safeguarding young people online. »Effective coordination is absolutely essential, and we are committed to robust consultation,« he stated. He highlighted the Commission’s commitment to engaging with member states, the industry and civil society organisations, as well as convening expert forums and conducting rigorous regulatory impact assessments. »It is vital that we listen to all voices and actors in this space in a truly inclusive manner,« he stressed. Concurrently, the European Commission works on a continent-wide technical solution for digital IDs issued by governments or other trusted sources. Google has endorsed this effort on age assurance, acknowledging the need for a variety of methods to ensure every company meets its responsibilities.

The Future Report reinforces this call for collaboration. As Carla, from Spain, suggests, »People who know about behaviour, like psychologists or sociologists, should be involved in saying what is acceptable and what is not with AI.« They advocate for independent experts and trusted governments to regulate technology, ensuring it aligns with human ethics and rights. Ultimately, safeguarding young people online requires a multi-faceted approach. As Commissioner McGrath concluded, »Our focus is on identifying and addressing gaps, implementing necessary and effective measures to protect young people online.« By combining robust regulation, informed by perspectives from young people, such as those in The Future Report, with a collaborative spirit that includes the voices of young people themselves, Europe can strive to create a digital environment that is not only innovative, but also safe, empowering and truly serves the wellbeing of the next generation.

Shaping the future of tech: a collaborative approach
Commissioner McGrath emphasised the importance of collaboration in safeguarding young people online. »Effective coordination is absolutely essential, and we are committed to robust consultation,« he stated. He highlighted the Commission’s commitment to engaging with member states, the industry and civil society organisations, as well as convening expert forums and conducting rigorous regulatory impact assessments. »It is vital that we listen to all voices and actors in this space in a truly inclusive manner,« he stressed. Concurrently, the European Commission works on a continent-wide technical solution for digital IDs issued by governments or other trusted sources. Google has endorsed this effort on age assurance, acknowledging the need for a variety of methods to ensure every company meets its responsibilities.

The Future Report reinforces this call for collaboration. As Carla, from Spain, suggests, »People who know about behaviour, like psychologists or sociologists, should be involved in saying what is acceptable and what is not with AI.« They advocate for independent experts and trusted governments to regulate technology, ensuring it aligns with human ethics and rights. Ultimately, safeguarding young people online requires a multi-faceted approach. As Commissioner McGrath concluded, »Our focus is on identifying and addressing gaps, implementing necessary and effective measures to protect young people online.« By combining robust regulation, informed by perspectives from young people, such as those in The Future Report, with a collaborative spirit that includes the voices of young people themselves, Europe can strive to create a digital environment that is not only innovative, but also safe, empowering and truly serves the wellbeing of the next generation.

Tech companies, like Google, play a crucial role in helping young people confidently and safely navigate the Internet. Google provides age-appropriate experiences, products and programmes designed to empower users and foster healthy, positive digital habits.

To find out more visit families.google.

Illustrations: Marcos Montiel