Chingford Foundation School

Generative AI- What Parents & Carers should know

Generative AI can create convincing but entirely fake images, videos, or voices that distort reality. This technology poses new safeguarding risks from deepfake bullying and misinformation to the misuse of children’s photos online. Parents and carers play a vital role in helping young people question what they see, protect their privacy, and report concerns quickly. Generative AI is one of the fastest-changing digital challenges facing young people today. While it can be creative and educational, it can also be dangerous, deceptive, and deeply personal in its impact.

By talking openly, staying informed, and working together, parents, carers, and schools can help ensure that every child grows up confident, responsible, and safe in an increasingly digital world.

What is it?

Generative AI refers to powerful computer systems that create new content including text, images, voices, and videos often from just a few words or a photo.

These tools are spreading fast, appearing in social media apps, editing software, and online platforms used by young people. While many are harmless or even creative, some are being used in dangerous or harmful ways from spreading false information to creating convincing but fake images and videos of real people.

For example:

  • A photo of a young person can be turned into a realistic AI video of them saying or doing things that never happened.
  • Deepfake voices or AI-generated chatbots can imitate friends, teachers, or celebrities.
  • Fake images or videos can go viral within hours and be almost impossible to trace or remove.

The Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 guidance now highlights online safety and emerging digital risks, including AI and generative technologies, as part of schools’ safeguarding responsibilities.

The Key Dangers Every Parent/Carer Should Understand

The rise of AI-generated content brings new and serious risks. Below are some of the most significant ones to be aware of:

  • Deepfake images and videos

Artificial intelligence can create highly realistic videos or photos showing people saying or doing things that never happened. These may be used for bullying, blackmail, reputation damage, or exploitation.

  • Distorted reality and misinformation

AI-generated material can make it harder for young people to tell what’s true. Videos, images, or quotes may appear real even when they’re entirely false shaping opinions, fuelling rumours, or spreading harmful narratives.

  • Sexualised or exploitative content

There is a growing trend of young people using AI to generate or share sexualised or “deepfake” images of peers. This is illegal and treated under UK law the same as possessing or distributing indecent images of a child.

  • Data and privacy risks

Some AI tools store the photos, voices, or personal information entered by users. Once uploaded, this content may be shared, analysed, or reused without consent even by unknown third parties.

  • Manipulation and persuasion

AI systems can tailor messages to influence emotions and behaviour for example, targeted advertising, fake “friend” chatbots, or misinformation designed to trick or pressure children.

  • Emotional or psychological impact

AI chatbots or “virtual friends” can blur the line between reality and fiction. Young people may develop attachments to artificial personalities, leading to confusion, loneliness, or misplaced trust.

  • Reputational and social harm

Once AI-generated content circulates online, it’s extremely difficult to delete. False or manipulated videos can follow a young person for years, damaging confidence, friendships, and future opportunities.

How Parents and Carers Can Support Their Child

You don’t need to be a technology expert — your ongoing interest and communication make the biggest difference.

Here are practical steps you can take:

  • Have open conversations about AI tools, social media, and new technologies your child uses. Ask what they’ve seen, created, or heard about.
  • Encourage critical thinking – help your child question what they see online. Ask: “Who made this?” and “Could it be fake?”
  • Know which apps your child uses – especially those involving photos, videos, or AI filters. Set clear rules about what is and isn’t appropriate to share.
  • Promote safe sharing – remind your child never to send or upload images they wouldn’t want others to see, even if “just for fun.”
  • Explain consequences – discuss the emotional, social, and legal risks of creating or sharing manipulated content.
  • Use parental controls and privacy settings – adjust filters and privacy settings on social media and device platforms.
  • Monitor behaviour changes – be alert for secrecy, withdrawal, or distress after online activity.
  • Know where to get help – if your child is affected by AI-generated content or online exploitation, report it immediately to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) or contact the school’s Safeguarding Team.

Useful Links for Further Support

 

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