The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) within children’s lives presents urgent ethical challenges, particularly as many of these technologies are designed with limited attention to the specific needs and vulnerabilities of its youngest users. Despite AI’s growing presence, a clear understanding of how researchers are tackling these pertinent issues regarding children remains fragmented. As such,
we present a scoping review that systematically maps 161 sources in the ethical landscape of AI in relation to children, categorised via predominant thematic interests. Results reveal a predominant focus on educational contexts, along with secondary focuses in healthcare and general societal issues. Further, using the UNESCO ethical principles as a framework, we identify significant gaps within literature, particularly in the areas of transparency, accountability, and sustainability of AI. Through a systematic mapping of sources, this review reveals where progress has been made, but also where urgent attention is still necessitated.