Is Your Child’s Photo Safe?

Understanding Image Consent at Schools and Preventing AI Image Exploitation

Reading Time: 4.7 mins

Published: February 22, 2025

1. Understanding the Threat

A small number of schools are reporting incidents where photos, frequently those of female pupils and staff, are being taken from their websites and social media channels, manipulated into a sexualised context using AI, and then used in attempts to blackmail schools.

The increasing prevalence and accessibility of AI image generation tools is a worrying development, raising the likelihood of these practices becoming more common. This guide aims to provide parents with information on how to prevent, respond to, and report incidents of AI-generated image exploitation.

This information focuses on incidents targeting schools. If your child is a victim of financially motivated sexual extortion, commonly known as ‘sextortion’, please refer to this article for guidance:

Financially Motivated ExtortionFinancially Motivated Extortion

‘Sextortion’ is when a child is engaged in what they think is a real relationship and then groomed or coerced to share sexual images of themselves. Once the predator gets them to send or share such an image, they begin to blackmail them, often threatening to share the images with family and friends if they do not comply with the demands.

Remember: If this happens at your child’s school, it is an attack on the school community. The children in the images have done nothing wrong. If children are featured in any of the innocent images used by an extortionist, they will need support and reassurance. This is also true for other children who may have heard rumours and are worried that it might happen to them. It’s vital to work with the school to ensure your child receives the necessary support.

2. Practical Tips and Guidance on Responding Appropriately

STAY CALM

As this is one of the most vulnerable moments in a young person’s life, it’s important that you become a source of support for them. Be mindful of how you respond, as a negative or judgemental reaction could have an adverse effect and make them more anxious.

GENTLY REASSURE

Provide your child with emotional support and reassurance, emphasising that they are not to blame.

SUPPORT THE SCHOOL

Work collaboratively with the school, listen actively, and remain patient as efforts are made to resolve the issue. When incidents like this occur, parents may be tempted to blame the school. Remember, this act is committed by a criminal and the school will be doing everything they can to protect their pupils.

One of the best ways to prevent this from happening is to consider if and how you consent to your child’s photographs being used. Talk to the school about the steps they are taking to make school images safer.

3. Understand Consent and Your Child’s Image

As schools frequently ask for permission to use student photos, parents should be well-informed before making decisions about their child’s image.

Understanding the fundamental principles of consent is key, which means that consent must be informed, and you should receive clear and comprehensive details about exactly how the photo will be used. It must be specific, covering only the stated purpose and not assumed for any other use.

Consent should be freely given, without any pressure, and it must be revocable, meaning that you can change your mind and withdraw it later.

Here’s what to consider:

Purpose. How will the photo be used? It’s important to understand whether there is a legitimate reason for taking and using the photo and whether risk has been effectively considered.
Duration. Will it only be used for a short time, or will it be kept for longer? Will it be taken down after a certain event?
Audience. Who will see the photo? Will it just be seen by other parents and students at the school, or could anyone see it?
Format. Where will the photo be shown? Will it be online on the school’s website or social media platforms, in a printed newsletter, or maybe even on a display board? It is important to know where the photo might appear.
Image Context. Consider the content and type of images shared. For example, are the photos respectful, and show children in a positive light? Do they include identifiable information such as a child’s name?
School Policies. Get to know the school’s policies on safeguarding, data protection, photo consent, and online safety.
Alternative Platforms. Keep informed by using all available school communication tools, such as the Safer Schools App (if your school uses it).
Open Communication. Maintain open communication with the school about any concerns or questions you may have.
You can say no. You have the right to refuse permission for your child’s photo to be used.

What Can You Do?

Join us on Thursday 20th March for our ‘Sextortion’ webinar, where attendees will:

Understand what sextortion is and the different forms it can take, including the use of real and AI-generated images.
Identify those most at risk, such as children and young people.
Learn about the laws surrounding sextortion.
Recognise the emotional, social, and financial impact sextortion has on victims.
Apply your knowledge to identify potential cases of sextortion and provide effective support to children and young people.

Register for our Sextortion WEBINAR hereRegister for our Sextortion WEBINAR here