As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, families are exploring the numerous benefits that this technology presents. But these tools also introduce significant safeguarding risks, including the use of AI to create or share child sexual abuse material (CSAM), including AI-generated content (AI-CSAM), which can exploit or depict children in harmful ways.
Following the publication of our comprehensive guide for professionals, we have developed a dedicated parent and carer resource, in collaboration with the Internet Watch Foundation, which aims to support their understanding on how AI can be misused to create or manipulate images of children and how to respond if an incident occurs.
What the guidance covers
The resource supports parents and carers to:
- Learn what AI is, how it is used, and how it can be misused to manipulate or generate sexualised images of children.
- Understand that CSAM includes nude or semi-nude images, edited or manipulated visuals, cartoons, and AI-generated content, all of which are illegal under UK law.
- Take practical steps to reduce risk including reviewing privacy settings, auditing social media uploads and considering how images are shared
- Talk to children about AI and image consent by having open, age-appropriate conversations about online risks, consent, and respectful behaviour
How you can use this guidance
Professionals working with children and young people can use this resource to:
- Strengthen safeguarding practice and reinforce key online safety messages at home
- Support ongoing conversations with parents and carers about image sharing and consent
- Help families understand what steps to take, including where and how to report and access support services if an incident occurs
Looking for guidance for professionals?Our updated guidance for professionals, developed in collaboration with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), provides essential information for all professionals working with children and young people on understanding and responding to AI-generated child sexual abuse material.