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Deepfakes: How to support your child

Deepfakes are increasingly affecting children and young people. This page explains what they are and how you can support your child if they’ve been targeted.

What is Deepfake Pornography?

Deepfakes are images or videos created using artificial intelligence (AI) so that they appear to show a real person in a situation that never actually happened.

In some cases, this involves creating sexually explicit images of someone without their knowledge or consent. This can include:

  • Digitally removing clothing
  • Placing a face onto explicit images
  • Creating entirely new images that look real

These images can be made using ordinary photos, such as pictures from social media, school events, or group photos.

How this affects children and young people

Deepfakes are increasingly being used by young people against each other.

This can happen through:

  • “nudify” apps
  • image editing tools
  • content shared between friendship groups

Even if someone says it was a joke, the impact can be serious.

Your child may experience:

  • embarrassment or fear about who has seen the image
  • worry about it being shared further
  • confusion about what has happened
  • difficulty trusting others

Because deepfakes can look real, your child may feel like their privacy has been completely taken away — even if nothing “real” happened.

Signs your child may be affected

Some children will tell you directly. Others may find it difficult.

You might notice:

  • changes in mood or behaviour
  • reluctance to go to school
  • withdrawal from friends or social spaces
  • increased anxiety around phones or social media

These changes may not always be linked to deepfakes, but they can be a sign that something is wrong.

What to do if your child has been deepfaked

If your child tells you something has happened, how you respond can make a big difference.

Start by listening. Try to stay calm, even if you’re feeling upset or angry. Your child may already feel embarrassed or worried about your reaction.

Let them know:

  • you believe them
  • they are not at fault
  • they are not in trouble

Avoid asking questions that might feel like blame, such as why they shared a photo or who they spoke to.

Instead, focus on what they need now.

 

Taking practical steps

Once your child has shared what has happened, there are steps you can take.

You can report the image to the platform where it was shared. Many platforms have processes for removing non-consensual content.

If your child is under 18, you can also use services such as:

 

Report Remove

The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF)

The Revenge Porn Helpline (if age appropriate)

 

In some cases, it may be appropriate to involve the school or the police, particularly if there are threats, harassment, or ongoing sharing.

This can feel like a big step, so it’s important to take this at a pace that feels manageable for your child.

Judge's Gavel

Understanding the law

Deepfake technology itself is not illegal. However, creating or sharing sexual images of someone without consent can be a criminal offence.

If your child is involved – either as someone affected or as someone who has shared images – it is important to take this seriously. Many young people are not aware of the legal consequences.

You do not need to handle this alone. Advice and support are available.

Supporting your child emotionally

Your child may need time to process what has happened.

Some children will want to talk. Others may need space.

You can help by:

  • keeping communication open
  • checking in regularly without pressure
  • reassuring them that their reactions are understandable

It may take time for them to feel safe again, especially if the image has been shared within their peer group.

If the impact seems significant, specialist support can help.

Talking to your child about deepfakes

Even if your child has not been directly affected, it can help to have conversations about deepfakes.

You might talk about:

  • how images can be manipulated
  • why consent matters
  • what to do if something feels wrong

These conversations do not need to be formal. What matters is helping your child feel able to come to you if something happens.

Get support

References

This resource draws on research, reporting and expert analysis from the following sources:

Safeline also draws on its direct work with survivors of sexual abuse and exploitation to inform this content.