In today’s world, technology is advancing faster than ever, and not all progress is for the better.  With just a few clicks, AI Apps can take an innocent photo and transform it into something sexually explicit.  Quick, cheap, and easy to generate highly convincing nude images featuring real people with a click of a few buttons, these apps pose a particularly insidious threat to teenagers.

The term “nude deepfakes” refers to AI-altered images or videos that appear shockingly real. Tragically, 99% of these deepfakes target women and girls.  And while the images themselves are fake, the emotional harm and psychological damage to those targeted is very real. These explicit materials are often created without the person’s knowledge or consent, and when shared, the resulting humiliation and pain can be devastating.

For teens, the impact can lead to feelings of shame, anxiety, and depression. Many victims report that losing control over their own image feels worse than if a real photo had been taken and shared.

Why This Matters to You

If I had a daughter in middle or high school, I’d want to do everything in my power to prevent this from happening to her. And if I had a son, I’d want him to understand how deeply harmful this behavior is, not just to the victim but also to his own integrity.  I’d teach my teens to stand up against this kind of exploitation, whether it’s done by a peer or an adult.

Unfortunately, incidents of teens using AI to create these harmful images of classmates are becoming more common.  While some schools are stepping up to address this, including suspensions and even law enforcement involvement, the psychological damage and emotional impact on the victims (and sometimes others involved) is much greater and longer-lasting than the consequences of school-imposed punishments or legal actions.  While disciplinary measures like suspensions or law enforcement involvement aim to address the behavior, they do not erase the emotional hurt, embarrassment, or mental health struggles caused by the situation.

The Current Landscape of Protections

While some progress is being made, the legal system is still catching up to these technological threats.  Over the past year, more than a dozen states have updated their laws to combat AI-generated Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).  However, legislation is lagging, and more must be done to protect kids and hold perpetrators accountable. Organizations like Thorn and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) are working to fill the gap. NCMEC’s Take It Down service, for example, provides a way to report and remove explicit images of minors online.  These resources are invaluable, but they can’t take the place of proactive parenting.

How You Can Protect Your Kids

As parents, we can’t wait for laws to catch up.  The most effective defense starts at home. Here are five steps to get started:

1.       Stay Informed

Learn about AI and its risks. The more we understand, the better we can guide our kids.

2.      Talk to Your  Kids

Open, honest conversations about online safety and ethics are key. Let them know it’s safe to come to you with questions or concerns.

3.      Set Boundaries

Establish clear rules for technology use, including apps and online behavior.  Monitoring doesn’t mean you don’t trust them- it shows you care and want to guide them.

4.       Advocate for Change

Support efforts like the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and encourage tech companies to take responsibility for their tools. Encourage your school district to make policies to address AI-CSAM.

5.       Connect with Resources

Use tools like NCMEC’s Take it Down service or reach out to Thorn for guidance on navigating these challenges.

A Final Word

I know this can feel overwhelming. When my own kids were teens, AI wasn’t even on the radar.  Parents today are navigating uncharted waters.  The good news is that you’re not alone.  By staying informed, engaged, and proactive, we can protect our kids from these new threats and teach them how to use technology in ways that uplift and empower.

For more tips and guidance, check out my upcoming blog post on what to do if your child becomes a victim or is implicated in these issues.  In addition, stay tuned for another post that will outline specific, actionable steps you can take to help your family navigate these challenges safely. Together, we can work toward a safer digital world for all our kids.