Showcase Magazine Summer 2025 - Flipbook - Page 18
DIGITAL SAFETY
Artificial Intelligence and the
Safeguarding of Children
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to develop at an extraordinary pace, its
influence is reaching every corner of society – including the lives of children.
While AI brings numerous benefits, it also presents new and evolving
safeguarding risks that parents and educators need to understand.
Harmful Content and Inappropriate Use
AI technologies, including chatbots and content generators, can be misused to create or share inappropriate
content, such as deepfakes or manipulated images. Disturbingly, this includes the potential generation of child
sexual abuse material (CSAM), which poses serious legal and ethical concerns. Children may also inadvertently
encounter harmful content, especially on platforms where AI algorithms prioritise engagement over safety.
Without robust age verification or content filters, young users are particularly vulnerable.
Privacy and Data Concerns
AI tools often rely on vast amounts of personal data to function effectively. This raises significant concerns around
children’s privacy and data protection, especially when children may not fully understand how their information is
being collected, stored, or used. In some cases, children may unknowingly share sensitive data through AIpowered applications, exposing them to risks such as identity theft, profiling, or exploitation.
Emotional and Social Impact
AI systems can mimic human interaction in increasingly convincing ways. For children, this may blur the lines
between real and virtual relationships, leading to confusion or emotional distress. There’s also the danger of AI
being used in cyberbullying, where generated content is used to harass or threaten others. The emotional
wellbeing of children could be further affected by repeated exposure to biased, harmful, or inaccurate information
generated by AI.
Disinformation and Educational Integrity
AI tools are now capable of producing written work, answers to school assignments, and even exam responses.
While this can support learning, it also raises concerns around academic honesty and the devaluation of genuine
effort. Additionally, children may come across AI-generated content that is misleading or false. Without proper
guidance, it can be difficult for young minds to distinguish between credible information and disinformation.
Addressing the Challenges
To protect children from the harms of AI, ensure they use age-appropriate platforms with strong privacy settings
and content filters. Teach digital literacy skills so they can spot misinformation and understand AI’s limitations, and
make sure you monitor their use of AI tools, encouraging open conversations about what they encounter online.
Make sure you work collaboratively with parents too
to help raise awareness and prevent potential risks
to their children - try sending out some information
and answer any questions they may have.
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Showcase Training 18
