AI is changing how young people learn, make friends, and find jobs. It shapes what they see online, the chances they get, and how they think about themselves. For business leaders, the job is simple: stop talking and start acting to make sure AI helps young people, not hurts them.

When we looked into this topic, we found something surprising: there are hardly any young voices in the main AI conversations. Even though young people are most affected by these technologies, they’re missing from the discussions that will shape their futures.

AI in Daily Life

AI is everywhere. It decides what young people see online, how they learn, and which jobs they can apply for. It affects social media feeds, exam grades, and job applications. At a recent meeting at the House of Lords, I sat with politicians, business leaders, and young people to talk about these changes.

New research shows how important young people’s views are. A 2024 survey found that 80% of American teenagers think dealing with AI risks should be a top priority for lawmakers. This beats concerns about social inequality (78%) and climate change (77%). Young people aren’t passive users—nearly half use AI tools like ChatGPT several times a week.

Why Young Voices Matter

Research from the Ada Lovelace Institute looked at 29 studies and found that people see both good and bad in AI. Many think AI makes things faster and easier to access, but they worry about losing human judgment and not understanding how decisions get made. Young people grew up with technology and have their own ideas about how companies should use it.

One key finding shows that while most adults want an independent body to oversee AI, young people aged 18-24 are much more likely to say tech companies should take responsibility—43% compared to just 17% of those over 55.

“Young people have experienced AI in unique ways, with technology playing a role in their social connections from an early age.”

Young Leaders Making Change

Despite being left out of most discussions, new young advocates are changing this. The most well-known is Sneha Revanur, a 20-year-old who Politico calls the “Greta Thunberg of AI”. She founded Encode Justice, the world’s biggest youth-led group focused on AI rules, with 800 members across 30 countries. She’s the youngest person to meet with Vice President Harris about AI policy and the youngest at the 2024 World Economic Forum.

“We’re fighting for a future in which technology can be used to uplift, and not to oppress”. She warns: “I don’t want us to have to wait for an AI Chernobyl to start taking this seriously”.

Saheb Gulati (17) and Jason Hausenloy (19) co-founded the Center for Youth and AI. Their first big study of American teenagers’ views on AI policy found that nearly half think AI could threaten humanity’s survival. 59% worry most about AI-made fake content and deepfakes.

The Youth Talks on AI project shows what’s possible when young people get a platform. Over 5,000 young people worldwide joined discussions about AI’s role in education, wellbeing, and the environment. Most wanted strong limits on what data AI systems can collect.

The Business Case for Including Young People

Companies with diverse management teams make 19% more money from innovation. Gucci saw sales jump 136% after creating a ‘shadow board’ of young people. Young workers who use AI tools report 84% satisfaction, with 75% recommending these tools to others.

Current research shows 82% of young leaders already use AI tools at work, with 98% expecting AI to affect their industry within five years. They use AI to overcome task paralysis (88%), improve communication (88%), and boost management skills (86%). This creates immediate business value through better productivity and strategic thinking.

Questions for Leaders

Business leaders shape how AI gets used. The question isn’t just “Can we build this?” but “Should we?” Here are specific questions executives can use right away:

Checking Youth Involvement:

• Do we have formal ways to include young people (under 25) in our AI design and testing?
• What percentage of our AI ethics team is under 30?

Being Clear and Accountable:

• Can we explain our AI decisions in language a 16-year-old could understand?
• Do we give clear ways to appeal when AI systems make decisions affecting young people?
• Are we measuring and reporting on bias that specifically affects younger people?

Consider using frameworks like the AI Literacy Framework from the European Commission and OECD. UNICEF’s Policy Guidance on AI for Children gives nine requirements for child-focused AI that can work for youth engagement.

Building Trust Together

What we do with AI today shapes the world young people will inherit. The Ada Lovelace Institute found that 62% of people would feel better about AI with clear rules and ways to appeal machine decisions. Young people want accountability and transparency, but they also want a say in shaping these systems.

Young advocates like Revanur show that youth engagement isn’t just possible—it’s essential. They bring fresh thinking, real experience, and moral clarity to AI policy discussions. Business leaders have a unique chance to lift up these voices and use their insights for competitive advantage.

What to Do Now

• Partner with groups like Encode Justice or Youth Talks on AI for real youth engagement
• Create youth-focused impact checks for all new AI systems
• Start mentorship programs pairing young employees with senior leaders on AI strategy

Don’t see youth consultation as just ticking boxes—recognise it as a strategic advantage. The insights, creativity, and moral clarity young people bring can help build more ethical, effective, and widely accepted technologies.

If you see the need to move from talk to youth-focused action – the tools and frameworks exist to start immediately. Let’s work together to build an AI system that’s not only innovative but also inclusive, responsible, and fit for the future.

We owe it to the next generation not just to ask what AI can do, but to make sure it does good, for everyone.