There is growing concern about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital tools to create or manipulate images of children and young people in sexualised or harmful ways.
You may have heard of terms like ‘AI CSAM’ ‘deepfakes’ or ‘nudify’ apps and websites in the news recently.
These tools are now widely available and often free to access via devices such as tablets, laptops and smartphones. This involve altering existing photos or creating entirely new AI generated sexual abuse content.
These images can look very real even when they are fake, and this can be extremely distressing for those involved.
Some young people may misuse AI to create nude or sexualised images of others, sometimes thinking it is a joke, trying to embarrass someone, or not realising the harm it can cause.
Taking, possessing or sharing nude or sexualised images of anyone under 18, including images created using AI, is illegal and is classed as child sexual abuse material.
Please remind your child not to create or share any images that could harm someone or break the law, to think carefully before posting online, and to speak to you if anything worries them.
If your child has been affected by harmful or manipulated images, or has been involved in creating or sharing them, please speak to your school, college or youth club safeguarding lead, or contact the police for advice. If an offence has been committed, the police will respond sensitively and consider all circumstances.
The law is there to protect all young people from harm.
Steps you should take:
- Talk to your young person
- Avoid assuming they know the risks.
- Have an open conversation and remind your young person to pause and think carefully before posting, sharing or accepting images online.
- Discuss the use of AI, respecting others and what the law is.
Support and reassurance
Encourage your young person to speak to you or another adult they trust immediately if they see anything online that worries them.
Seek help if needed If your young person has been affected by harmful or manipulated images or has been involved in creating, sharing or being in possession of an image, remain calm and seek support:
Contact your school, college or club safeguarding lead or the Police for advice.
Non-Emergencies: Call 101 or report online via https://www.psni.police.uk/report
Emergencies: If a child is in immediate danger, always dial 999
Further support and advice is available:
Further advice is available on the Online Safety Hub, which includes a guide on AI and Emerging Technologies explaining the key safeguarding concerns to be aware of and how to respond.
Additional information is available from the NSPCC and Safer Schools NI.
A young person can also use the Report Remove service provided by Childline to help young people under 18 in the UK to confidentially report sexual images and videos of themselves and remove them from the internet.
Thank you for working with us to help keep children and young people safe.
