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In a stark warning, the National Crime Agency (NCA) has advised parents against publicly sharing images of their children online due to the alarming rise in AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM). This caution comes hand in hand with a report from the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), which highlights a significant surge in the misuse of children’s images, underlining the necessity for enhanced parental vigilance in the digital age.
Escalating Threats in the Digital Landscape
The latest figures from the IWF reveal a disturbing trend: over 8,000 instances of AI-generated images and videos depicting realistic child sexual abuse were recorded in 2025, marking a 14% increase from the previous year. This spike has prompted urgent calls for action, with Tim Wright, a senior manager at the NCA, emphasising the importance of preventative measures alongside law enforcement efforts. “While we and policing colleagues tackle offenders, prevention remains vital,” he stated, highlighting the dual approach required to combat this growing menace.
To address these concerns, the NCA and IWF have launched a new set of guidelines aimed at equipping parents with the tools needed to safeguard their children’s online presence. The guidance serves to illuminate the particular dangers of CSAM and the increasingly prominent role of AI in its proliferation.
Practical Steps for Parents
The recommended strategies for parents include a thorough review of privacy settings on social media platforms. Parents are encouraged to utilise the privacy controls available to them, which can significantly limit the visibility of their posts. Additionally, they should scrutinise the content already shared by family and friends to ensure that identifying details, such as a child’s face or school uniform, are not publicly visible.
The guidelines also stress the importance of revisiting consent regarding images of children. Parents should communicate with friends, family, and institutions, such as schools and clubs, about the images being captured and the consent associated with them. Engaging children in discussions about their own imagery can foster a sense of ownership and comfort, enabling them to express discomfort about how and where their images are shared.
The Risks of ‘Sharenting’
The emphasis on these protective measures comes amid ongoing discussions about the phenomenon of “sharenting,” a term coined to describe parents sharing images of their children on social media. While sharing moments with loved ones can be well-intentioned, experts warn that it can expose children to significant risks, including identity theft and privacy violations. The emergence of advanced AI tools capable of manipulating imagery has further exacerbated these concerns, making it imperative for parents to be fully aware of the potential repercussions of their online behaviour.
Kerry Smith, the IWF’s chief executive, articulated the delicate balance parents face: “We don’t want to say don’t share your children’s images with 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.” This sentiment underscores the real and present dangers that families must navigate in the digital landscape.
Why it Matters
As the digital realm becomes increasingly intertwined with our daily lives, the implications of AI misuse are profound and far-reaching. The alarming rise in AI-generated abuse imagery not only poses immediate threats to children’s safety but also highlights the urgent need for a cultural shift in how families approach online sharing. By fostering awareness and implementing protective measures, parents can play a crucial role in mitigating risks, ensuring that their children’s digital footprints do not become a source of exploitation. In this evolving scenario, informed decision-making and proactive engagement are essential in safeguarding the next generation.