China's underage internet users reached 198 million in 2025, with internet penetration among minors hitting 98.3%, according to a report released at the 2026 National Cybersecurity Week forum in Jinan, Shandong province. The findings, presented by Tang Jie, director of the Youth Rights Protection Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League, were drawn from the Blue Book on Youth Development: National Survey Report on Internet Use by Minors, as reported by IThome.
The survey highlighted a narrowing digital divide: the gap in internet penetration between urban and rural minors has shrunk to just 0.4 percentage points, underscoring the success of China's efforts to extend network access to underserved areas. This near-universal connectivity among young people marks a significant milestone in the country's digital landscape.
AI tools are now mainstream among minors
Perhaps more striking is the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence. The report found that 78.5% of surveyed minor internet users have used AI tools for learning, creative projects, or entertainment, making minors a high-frequency AI demographic. This suggests that AI has become an integral part of young people's digital lives in China, from homework assistance to content generation.
However, the report also flagged serious concerns. Most minors lack the ability to identify AI-generated content, detect algorithmic bias, or understand ethical boundaries. This digital literacy gap is worrying educators: 83% of surveyed teachers expressed concern about the risks of students misusing AI, such as relying on AI for assignments or being exposed to misleading information.
Regulators target AI misuse
In parallel, China's cyberspace regulator, the Cyberspace Administration of China, announced a campaign called 'Qinglang' (Clear and Bright) to crack down on AI-related abuses. The campaign targets 'digital garbage' such as AI-modified classic works and deepfake impersonations. Major AI platforms, including Doubao (ByteDance), Yuanbao (Tencent), Qianwen (Alibaba), and Ernie Bot (Baidu), have been instructed to strictly limit the output of such违规 content, according to the report.
The combination of high AI adoption and low critical awareness among minors presents a dual challenge for policymakers. While AI offers unprecedented opportunities for learning and creativity, it also demands new forms of digital education. The report calls for enhanced guidance to help young users navigate AI-generated content responsibly, a message that resonates beyond China as AI becomes ubiquitous globally.
For the tech industry, these findings signal a growing market for AI education tools and parental controls, as well as a regulatory environment that is tightening around AI ethics. As China's minors become early AI natives, their habits and protections will likely shape the future of AI governance and product design.
