In a concerning new warning, the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) have advised parents to refrain from posting images of their children on social media. The rise of AI-generated abuse imagery poses a significant risk, with the organisations highlighting a disturbing trend in the misuse of children’s images online.
Alarming Statistics on AI-Generated Abuse Imagery
The IWF has reported a staggering increase in the number of AI-generated images and videos depicting child sexual abuse material (CSAM), identifying over 8,000 instances in 2025 alone—a 14% surge from the previous year. Tim Wright, a senior manager at the NCA, stated, “While we and policing colleagues tackle offenders, prevention remains vital.” This uptick raises serious concerns about the safety of children in an increasingly digital world.
The findings are particularly troubling, as the IWF noted a dramatic rise in AI-generated videos of child abuse, jumping from just 13 in 2024 to an alarming 3,440 in 2025. In the UK, such imagery is categorically classified as CSAM, prompting urgent governmental action to combat these emerging threats.
Guidance for Parents: Protecting Children Online
In response to these pressing concerns, the NCA and IWF have collaborated to provide essential guidance for parents seeking to safeguard their children’s online presence. The advice suggests several proactive measures:
1. **Review Privacy Settings**: Parents are encouraged to utilise privacy controls within social media platforms to restrict who can view their posts or to opt for private accounts.
2. **Monitor Shared Content**: It’s crucial for parents and guardians to regularly check the content shared by family members, ensuring that identifiable information—such as children’s faces or school uniforms—is not visible.
3. **Consent Conversations**: Engaging in discussions about image-sharing practices with family, friends, and institutions like schools is important. Parents should verify consent before any photographs are taken or published.
Furthermore, the guidance highlights the importance of involving children in these conversations, empowering them to feel comfortable in expressing their wishes regarding their own images.
The Risks of Sharenting
The warning comes on the heels of growing concerns surrounding “sharenting,” a term coined in 2016 that refers to parents posting images of their children online. Child safety experts have long cautioned that such practices can expose children to various risks, including identity theft and privacy violations.
With the advent of advanced AI tools capable of manipulating images—potentially making it appear as though clothing has been removed—the dangers of sharenting have escalated. Kerry Smith, the head of the IWF, emphasised, “These are not hypothetical threats; they are real.” She clarified that while parents should feel free to share images with loved ones, they must remain vigilant about the potential repercussions.
Understanding the Growing Role of AI
The increased prevalence of AI in everyday life brings both benefits and challenges. It is essential for parents to stay informed about how these technologies could be misused. The NCA’s guidance aims to equip parents with the knowledge necessary to navigate this complex terrain and make informed decisions.
Why it Matters
The implications of sharing children’s images in a digital age are profound. As AI technology continues to develop, the risks associated with online exposure become more pronounced. By adhering to the guidance from the NCA and IWF, parents can play a crucial role in defending their children against the threats posed by AI-generated abuse imagery. This proactive approach is vital not only for individual safety but for fostering a more secure online environment for all children.
