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In an increasingly digital world, the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) have issued a crucial warning to parents: sharing images of children online could expose them to serious risks, particularly through the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) in creating abusive content. As the prevalence of AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM) surges, parents are urged to take proactive measures to safeguard their children’s privacy and welfare.
The Alarming Rise of AI-Generated Abuse Imagery
Recent data from the IWF revealed a troubling trend, with over 8,000 AI-generated images and videos depicting realistic child sexual abuse being discovered in 2025 alone. This figure represents a staggering 14% increase from the previous year, highlighting the urgent need for increased vigilance among parents. Tim Wright, a senior manager at the NCA, emphasised the dual approach required to combat this issue: while law enforcement works to apprehend offenders, prevention remains equally essential.
The IWF’s analysis shows a dramatic rise in AI-generated videos of child sexual abuse, jumping from just 13 instances in 2024 to a staggering 3,440 in 2025. This alarming escalation showcases the evolving capabilities of technology that can be weaponised against the most vulnerable members of society.
Practical Steps for Parents to Enhance Online Safety
In response to these growing threats, the NCA and IWF have released comprehensive guidance aimed at helping parents navigate the complexities of sharing their children’s images online. The organisations encourage parents to consider several key actions:
1. **Review Privacy Settings**: Most social media platforms offer privacy controls that can be adjusted to limit the visibility of posts. Parents are advised to either make their accounts private or create “close friends” groups for sharing images with a select audience.
2. **Scrutinise Social Media Accounts**: It is crucial for parents to assess the content already shared on social media to ensure no identifiable details, such as a child’s face or school uniform, are visible. If any compromising images exist, they should be deleted to protect the child’s identity.
3. **Revisit Image Consent**: Parents should engage in conversations with friends, family, and institutions involved with their children, such as schools or clubs, regarding the images being taken and shared. Regularly reviewing consent forms can also help ensure that children’s images are used appropriately.
Involving children in these discussions can empower them, making them feel more comfortable expressing their preferences about how and where their images are shared.
The Risks of ‘Sharenting’
This warning comes on the heels of ongoing concerns surrounding “sharenting”—the practice of parents sharing images or videos of their children on social media. Since the term was coined and added to the Collins English Dictionary in 2016, experts have repeatedly cautioned that such actions could lead to serious risks, including identity theft, fraud, and a general erosion of privacy as children grow up.
With the advent of advanced AI tools capable of manipulating images, the risks associated with sharenting have escalated. Kerry Smith, the IWF’s chief executive, stated, “We don’t want to say don’t share your children’s images with the people you love and trust, but we want everyone to be aware of the potential risks and make an informed decision with the full facts at their disposal.”
Understanding the Role of AI in Child Safety Threats
AI technology is rapidly becoming integrated into our daily lives, bringing with it numerous benefits. However, the misuse of AI—particularly in creating and sharing inappropriate content—poses significant challenges. The government has taken steps to combat these threats, including banning “nudification” apps and reforming legislation to assist AI firms in preventing their systems from generating CSAM.
The guidance from the NCA and IWF aims to provide parents with essential knowledge about these threats and the increasing role AI plays in them. “Hearing about this as a parent or carer can feel alarming, but you are not alone,” the guidance reassures. “It’s important to know there are steps you can take, many of which you may already be doing, to help better protect your child.”
Why it Matters
As technology continues to evolve, so too do the risks associated with it. The rise of AI-generated abuse imagery underscores the importance of parental awareness and proactive measures in keeping children safe online. With the potential for real harm looming over seemingly innocuous social media posts, it is crucial for parents to remain informed and vigilant. By taking steps to protect their children’s digital footprint, they can help to create a safer online environment for future generations.
