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Over the last year, the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE), led by the AFP, has seen an uptick in cases involving AI-generated material.
Alarmingly, some occurrences involve students creating deepfake content to harass or shame their peers, underscoring the importance of proactive communication.
Commander Helen Schneider of the AFP emphasised that young people may not realise that producing AI-generated material featuring classmates can constitute a criminal offence.
“Children and young people are naturally curious, but any depiction of abuse involving individuals under 18—whether through videos, images, drawings, or stories—qualifies as child abuse material, regardless of its authenticity,” she explained.
Effective communication is key. The AFP encourages parents and guardians to discuss how their children interact with technology, the potential risks they may encounter, and the legal implications of creating or sharing harmful content.
Read also: Tech and media influence: Study explores how algorithms affect kids’ access to Australian television
These conversations should also cover how to respond if exposed to inappropriate material, the importance of strong privacy settings, and the need to decline friend requests from unknown individuals.
Parents and carers should also discuss the ethical implications of AI use with their children. Highlighting the importance of respect, empathy, and responsible digital behaviour can help young people understand the real-world consequences of their online actions and decisions.
The AFP’s ThinkUKnow program provides free resources to help parents navigate these discussions. In the 2023/2024 financial year, ThinkUKnow delivered 2,218 presentations to over 202,000 students across Australia and conducted 317 sessions for more than 21,500 parents, carers, and educators.
The AFP and its partners remain dedicated to combating child exploitation. The ACCCE plays a pivotal role by coordinating national efforts, supporting investigations, and developing strategies to foster safer online environments.
Read more about this on Public Spectrum. See here.
Adrianne Saplagio is a Content Producer at Comms Room, where she combines her passion for storytelling with her expertise in multimedia content creation. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for engaging audiences, Adrianne has been instrumental in crafting compelling narratives that resonate across various digital platforms.
