Artificial IntelligenceArtificial Intelligence (AI) (AI) has impacted many aspects of modern life, including in the field of childhood. This chapter aims to explore the complex impact of AI on children, examining both the benefits and the risks. Initially, we summarize ways in which AI enhances educational instruments and learningLearning experiences, by adapting them to individual learners’ needs. Subsequently, we explore AI's role in promoting safetySafety and accessibility in children's environments, including the ability to support vulnerable groups of children. We address the impact of AI on children's cognitive, social, and emotional development, and mental health, underlining opportunities to improve these areas while also warning for potential negative effects such as reduced human interaction. We also analyse the main risks, as well as ethicalEthical and privacyPrivacy concerns that are due to the integration of AI into children's everyday lives, play and learningLearning. Particular attention is paid to the balance between technologicalTechnological benefits and excessive dependence. Finally, we reflect on the importance of ensuring that children actively contribute to the development of AI technologies, emphasizing ethicalEthical and inclusive use to benefit all children. Children’s meaningful participation in shaping AI would be important to close the theory, policy, and practice gaps, challenging the way to increase children’s agency and what would that mean for AI policy and practice. Considering how AI can be applied in a child-centric approach, this chapter seeks to contribute to deepen the understanding of the role of AI in the future of childhood.