New York (CNN) — The Youth AI Safety Institute launched today, September 14, 2026, to tackle AI risks for children and teens.
The initiative, backed by Common Sense Media, aims to set independent safety benchmarks for AI tools and provide information to parents. This follows numerous lawsuits alleging that AI chatbots have negatively influenced youth behavior.
The institute will operate with a $20 million annual budget funded by organizations including the OpenAI Foundation and the Walton Family Foundation. According to Common Sense Media, these funders will not influence the group's operations.
The advisory board includes experts from Stanford University and the University of Michigan, focusing on safety standards for AI models used by young people. It aims to conduct thorough evaluations, or “red teaming,” of prominent AI products to identify potential safety risks.
John Giannandrea, former AI strategy chief at Apple, emphasized the need for independent benchmarks to assess the suitability of AI tools for children. The institute plans to release its first findings within the month.
Common Sense Media previously raised concerns about AI companion apps, classifying some as posing “unacceptable risks.” Through this initiative, the organization aims to prevent missteps similar to those observed during the rise of social media.
“The design of AI needs to be more focused on what children require,” said Dr. Jenny Radesky, a member of the advisory board.
For further updates, stay tuned.