Key points
- AI enters top 20 most-used apps by children
- YouTube use rises as WhatsApp overtakes TikTok
- Video content makes up 18pc of children’s online searches
ISLAMABAD: Interest in artificial intelligence (AI) tools among children has doubled over the past year, while YouTube has remained one of the most widely used apps by kids globally.
According to Kaspersky’s latest report on children’s digital habits, growing curiosity about AI-powered chatbots, with AI-related search queries making up over 7.5 per cent of all searches — more than double the 3.19 per cent from the previous year.
Among the most searched tools were ChatGPT, Gemini, and particularly Character.AI, which allows users to interact with bots simulating fictional or real personalities. Character.AI has now entered the list of the top 20 most-used applications, marking a significant shift in digital engagement.
In Pakistan, YouTube led Android app usage, accounting for 42.9 per cent of time spent on the platform, followed by WhatsApp (16.07per cent), Instagram (8.97 per cent), TikTok (5.88 per cent), and Roblox (4.44 per cent).
🤖 Kids in 2025: AI Besties, Meme Fever & Beat-Dropping Games
AI pals > real friends? Kids’ chatbot searches doubled this year!
🎵 Soundtrack: Italian brainrot (“tralalero tralala”) + K-pop (BLACKPINK rules)
🕹️ Top games: Sprunki (new!), Roblox, and Minecraft
📱 App wars: YouTube… pic.twitter.com/EDKNp2U54w— Kaspersky (@kaspersky) June 3, 2025
Changing communication patterns
Globally, YouTube usage also grew slightly, rising from 28.13 per cent to 29.77 per cent. WhatsApp moved into second place, overtaking TikTok, while Snapchat and Facebook continued to decline — a shift attributed to changing communication patterns, with children increasingly sharing links, memes, and short videos via messaging apps.
Google searches revealed that almost 18 per cent of children’s online queries focused on video content, with streaming platforms such as Netflix, Twitch and Disney+ remaining highly popular. Gaming remained a major interest, with children favouring Roblox, Minecraft, and the browser-based platform Poki, which offers quick-access, casual games.
Anna Larkina, a privacy expert at Kaspersky, noted that children’s digital interests are evolving rapidly. She emphasised the importance of parental involvement, suggesting that understanding children’s online activity can foster stronger connections and support safer digital habits. Digital parenting tools, she added, can play a key role in this process.
