Three out of five young people in the UK have expressed alarm about artificial intelligence being used to create inappropriate images of them, according to new research released for Safer Internet Day. The study, conducted by the UK Safer Internet Centre and Nominet, found that 60% of eight to 17 year olds voiced concern about someone using AI to generate inappropriate pictures of them.
More than one in ten adolescents aged 13 to 17 said they have already seen peers using AI to produce sexual images and videos of others. The findings come as the Information Commissioner's Office launched a formal investigation into X and its AI chatbot Grok after it was exploited to create sexual deepfakes without permission.
Despite these anxieties, nearly all young people surveyed (97%) said they are actively using AI, with more than half believing it enhances their lives. Over two in five indicated AI can offer emotional support, while more than a third said it helps with mental health. However, a third of parents are worried about AI's effect on their child's cognitive development, and a similar proportion of young people admitted AI has reduced their personal creativity.
Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said the findings are concerning and urge the Government to act urgently to ensure children have the resources to make safe and ethical decisions about AI. He noted that while a curriculum review acknowledged the need for more AI education, waiting 18 months for changes is not feasible.
The Department for Education continues to advocate for AI in schools, with plans to trial cutting-edge technologies and roll out AI-powered tutoring to disadvantaged pupils by 2027. Ofsted has found teachers are largely optimistic about AI's ability to reduce administrative burdens and enhance teaching quality.
