KATHMANDU (ANN/KATHMANDU POST) – Picture a world where seven-year-olds use generative AI to solve math problems, create digital art, and even recommend video games. This is the reality awaiting Generation Beta—children born from 2025 to 2039—who will grow up entirely in a world dominated by artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR).
Unlike Millennials and Gen Z, who adapted to emerging technologies, Generation Beta will never know a world without AI. “While Generation Alpha experienced the rise of smart technology, Generation Beta will live in an era where AI and automation are seamlessly integrated into daily life—from education to healthcare and entertainment,” said researcher Mark McCrindle. He estimates this generation will include 2.1 billion people by 2035.
Opportunities and risks
The integration of AI into everyday life presents unprecedented opportunities but also challenges, particularly in digital safety and cybersecurity. For instance, in Nepal, a ChildSafeNet-UNICEF study in 2024 revealed that 46 percent of respondents actively used generative AI, with children leveraging platforms like ChatGPT for education and entertainment.
Yet, this rapid adoption comes with risks. “AI use among children can hinder creativity and critical thinking if over-relied upon,” said Anil Raghubansi, founder of ChildSafeNet. He cited exposure to inappropriate content, privacy violations, and cyberbullying as significant concerns.
A 2023 report by the Internet Watch Foundation found over 20,000 instances of AI-generated child sexual abuse material on a single dark web forum in just one month, underscoring the urgent need for regulation and enforcement.
Preparing for the future
The challenges are not confined to Nepal. Globally, governments are grappling with how to regulate AI while maximising its benefits. The UAE, for example, has established a Ministry of Artificial Intelligence to address these challenges proactively.
However, Nepal’s policies lag behind. Existing laws such as the ‘Electronic Transactions Act of 2008’ and the ‘Digital Nepal Framework of 2019’ lack specific provisions to address AI. According to Dr. Lina Gurung from Kathmandu University, “Nepal’s education system is unprepared for the digital age. Teachers need training, and policies must consider AI’s implications for children.”
Cybercrime is another growing concern. Nepal’s Cyber Bureau reported a 260.8 percent increase in cyber violence cases in 2023-2024 compared to the previous year. Superintendent of Police Deepak Raj Awasthi highlighted a lack of skilled personnel and advanced investigative tools to combat AI misuse, cryptocurrency fraud, and deepfake technology.
Balancing innovation and safety
As Generation Beta matures, AI will reshape creativity, knowledge, and interpersonal relationships. But the risks—such as cybercrime and misuse—demand immediate attention.
“We must act now to prepare for both the advantages and dangers of AI,” said Raghubansi, emphasising the need for digital safety education and robust AI regulation. Dr. Gurung also stressed that practical, real-world training should accompany internet safety lessons in schools.
As countries around the world revise their policies, it is critical for nations like Nepal to accelerate their efforts. Only by balancing innovation with safety can Generation Beta truly thrive in the AI era.
