In a troubling incident at the Royal School Armagh, explicit AI-generated images have been circulating among students, leading to a swift response from the school’s leadership and authorities. The principal, Graham Montgomery, has revealed that the school has identified “all those of whom images had been manipulated and those allegedly responsible” for the creation of these disturbing images.
Montgomery described the actions as “shocking and without excuse,” while noting that the number of those targeted is in the “single figures.” The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has confirmed that an investigation is underway, with local officers engaging with the school and the families of the affected students.
The principal has sought to reassure the school community, stating that “procedures are in place for the safeguarding and well-being of pupils.” However, he has urged caution, asking people to “refrain from comment and speculation where possible, including on social media,” recognizing the traumatic impact this incident has had on the students involved.
Online safety expert Jim Gamble, a former police officer and chief executive of the INEQE Safeguarding Group, has weighed in on the matter, describing the ordeal as “traumatising” for both the victims and the young people who created the images. Gamble emphasised the importance of understanding that the perpetrators are themselves children, making “errors of judgement,” and that a compassionate approach is needed.
Professor Clare McGlynn, an expert on violence against women and girls from Durham University, has also condemned the incident, calling it an “extremely violating act” for the victims. She has warned that such incidents are not isolated, and that schools must be vigilant and proactive in addressing the issue.
The Royal School Armagh, which teaches around 800 boys and girls up to the age of 18, has said that it first became aware of the circulation of the images on 8 January and promptly referred the matter to the “appropriate authorities.” The school’s priority remains the “safety and well-being of all pupils” as the investigation and response continue.
