The ATOM project invites children to envision ethical technology futures that are more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable for them, for society and the planet. Children from different countries – Finland, India, Japan, South Africa, USA, and Uruguay - will participate in hands-on workshops exploring the future of human-technology relationships using participatory, critical, speculative design approaches. They will create videos and artefacts showcasing futures that align with their values, aspirations, and diverse cultural perspectives. ATOM brings children’s voices to the forefront by being child-centered and child-led, empowering, engaging, and activating children to impact their technology futures. It promotes equitable participation and sustainable practices to create positive outcomes for individuals, communities, and the environment. This research complements UNICEF’s work on Children and AI and Youth-led Futures Design, co-funded by the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The project started in September 2025 and will continue for four years with PI Dr. Sumita Sharma, and PhD candidate Pauli Klemettilä.

Project activities 2026: 

- Workshop with children in Oulu on future of the planet and LLMs: Spring 2026

- Paper presentation at CHI 2026 on workshops in India: April 2026

- AI Awareness talks with schools in Oulu: April 2026

- AI companions and children workshop / Little Language machine workshops with children

- AI Ambassador program with 28 teenagers exploring the future of work and LLMs: June 2026

- Provocateur at the Inclusive AI Lab's data care festival in June 2026.

- Presentation at the IDC conference

- Critical AI literacy workshops with high schools in Japan: Sep 2026

Project activities from Sep 2025: 

- Presentation at the IndiaHCI conference and session chairing