30, July 2026

Building Children’s Digital Resilience in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: A Critical Review of Critical Thinking, Online Safety, and Responsible Digital Decision-Making

VOLUME-10; ISSUE-7; JULY-2026

Author(s): Jayshri Patel

Authors Affiliations:

Department of Computer Science, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat, India

 

DOIs:10.2017/IJRCS/202607008     |     Paper ID: IJRCS202607008


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Abstract: Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), is rapidly transforming children's digital experiences by influencing learning processes, information access, creativity, communication, and decision-making practices. AI-enabled systems provide significant opportunities through personalized learning support, adaptive feedback, interactive knowledge exploration, and improved accessibility. However, the increasing integration of AI into children's digital environments also introduces challenges related to misinformation, privacy risks, algorithmic influence, biased outputs, dependency on automated systems, and ethical concerns. These challenges highlight the importance of developing children's digital resilience to ensure safe, responsible, and meaningful participation in AI-mediated digital societies.

This study presents a critical literature review examining how artificial intelligence influences children's digital resilience with specific focus on critical thinking, online safety, AI literacy, and responsible digital decision-making. The study synthesizes recent research on generative AI in education, children's interaction with intelligent systems, digital resilience development, AI literacy frameworks, parental mediation, and school-based digital resilience interventions. The review identifies that effective engagement with AI requires more than technical knowledge; children need cognitive abilities to evaluate AI-generated information, recognize limitations of intelligent systems, understand ethical implications, and make informed digital choices.

The findings indicate that AI literacy, critical thinking, and digital resilience are interconnected competencies that enable children to navigate AI-driven environments effectively. While AI technologies can enhance learning and creativity, their benefits depend on appropriate guidance from educators, parents, policymakers, and technology developers. The study emphasizes the need for a human-centered approach where artificial intelligence supports children's learning and development without reducing independent reasoning, creativity, and ethical judgment. The paper proposes an integrated perspective combining AI literacy, critical evaluation skills, online safety awareness, and responsible digital behavior as essential foundations for preparing digitally resilient children in the age of artificial intelligence.

Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, Children's Digital Resilience, AI Literacy, Critical Thinking, Online Safety, Digital Citizenship, Responsible Digital Decision-Making

Jayshri Patel (2026); Building Children’s Digital Resilience in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: A Critical Review of Critical Thinking, Online Safety, and Responsible Digital Decision-Making, International Journal of Research Culture Society,    ISSN(O): 2456-6683,  Volume – 10,   Issue –  7,  Available on – https://ijrcs.org/

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