Protecting Kids From AI-Generated Dangers

Did you see the image of Pope Francis last year? The one of him in a white puffer jacket?

If you did, either of these two responses probably sprang to mind:

1.  “Oh, look! He’s wearing casual clothes – how cool!”
2. “That’s so fake!”

(We hope you thought the latter.)

Now imagine, your 14-year-old seeing the exact same image. 

What do you think they’d make of the image? (Probably the first answer, right?)

Welcome to the world of AI-generated content, where things might not be as they seem. 

The sad reality is that kids spend a lot of their lives on social media and other digital platforms and are faced with hundreds – no, thousands! – of pieces of multimedia content daily. 

Do they have the maturity to sift through the online garbage to determine right from wrong? Are they even aware of the potential dangers of AI-generated content, or do they base “facts” on the number of likes and shares?

As parents, it’s our moral duty to teach our kids how to navigate this digital minefield and protect them from the dangers of AI-generated content.

Continue reading if you want to know more.

AI-Generated Content: Explained

AI-generated content refers to text, images, videos and other media created by AI algorithms. Generative AI can be used for anything, including English essays, analysing data reports and creating wacky multimedia clips of people and cartoons.

At best: AI-generated images are created for a laugh, such as face-swapping Lord Farquaad’s face with King Charles.

At worst: They’re used maliciously for scams, identity theft or propaganda – like that time Midjourney created an AI-generated image of what Donald Trump would look like getting arrested (before he was actually arrested). That one racked up around 6.7 million views!

These examples are what we call: deepfakes – which we’ll explain next.

Deepfakes

Deepfakes – a mashup of “deep learning” and “fake” – are AI-generated images or videos of someone saying or doing things they wouldn’t normally do to create a digital uproar.

These hyper-realistic images float around the digital realms, depicting anyone and everything from Jude Law to Donald Duck.

This fabricated content can be incredibly convincing, blurring the lines between truth and fiction – especially for young, immature minds lacking critical thinking skills.

Here’s a relatable example for you: AI Face Swap apps.

While these are great fun for seeing which hairstyles suit you best, imagine if your child was “deep-faked” vandalising school property or involved in another disturbing activity. And to make matters worse, every kid and their aunty saw it? 

Not so funny anymore, huh?

Fake news

We’ve all stumbled across headlines that seem far too outrageous to be true. 

Ding-ding: fake news!

This synthetic content is designed to grab attention, evoke strong emotions and spread quicker than a forest fire in a drought.

Fake news is often circulated on social media channels and it’s really difficult to stop the digital blaze when the fire gets going. Manipulative AI-generated news articles, posing as reputable broadcasters, are created to sway public perception and stir unrest.

Take Politico’s recent article for example, a combination of deepfakes and fake news: ex-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and other MPs have “seen their identities spoofed in fake video or audio clips” leading up to the 2024 general election.

This is a prime example (no pun intended) of how twisted and malicious these AI-generated “campaigns” can be. They take up so much digital real estate, flooding news channels with hogwash to manipulate public opinion on specific topics. And for what? Financial gain? A laugh? A trip to the loony bin?

Disinformation

Disinformation is like fake news’s sly cousin.

It’s false information deliberately spread to deceive people. Disinformation aims to discredit opponents, cover up truths, promote a certain agenda or even, destabilise entire countries.

A few examples include rumours, hoaxes, spear phishing (harmful targetted fraud attacks) and pranks.

Real-World Examples Of AI Dangers

Here’s a glimpse of how AI-generated content can negatively impact your children: 

Fraud

Deceptive emails, video calls, images and messages disguised as trustworthy sources can trick your child (and possibly even you!) into divulging personal information. These acts of trickery may result in your family falling victim to online scams.

For instance, shady bank representatives ask for sensitive information like PIN codes and online banking app login details. Then, before you know it, you’re left with 50 p to your name!

Illegal material

AI can be used to create disturbing or inappropriate content that could easily enter your child’s digital realm.

Remember the vandalising deepfake example from above?

We, as parents, already know that cyberbullying, self-harm content, explicit pornography and other activities such as drug trafficking or acts of terrorism – whether real or AI-generated – are illegal. However, our kids may not…

Creativity stifling

Consuming generative AI content is a passive activity, whereas using your noggin – for creativity and learning – requires active concentration. Overreliance on AI-generated content can curb our children’s ability to develop creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

AI tools, like ChatGPT and Google Gemini, should be used to generate ideas and inspire unique perspectives. They are not there to write your kids’ entire history essay about the Great Depression!

Plagiarism

AI writers use natural language processing (NLP), machine learning and advanced artificial intelligence algorithms to spit out history essays and other bits of AI-generated content in a heartbeat.

However, the content it creates might often be plagiarised because of this – don’t fret, we’ll explain these terms shortly.

We must teach our kids to fact-check and back up any research claims with good ol’ hard evidence to counteract this, especially in educational settings.

Let’s explain those weird terms: 

• Natural language processing (NLP) is a branch of artificial intelligence that allows computers to understand the commands you give them. Like, when kids ask ChatGPT for an explanation of the Great Depression, AI uses NLP to understand what they’re saying. 
• Machine learning is the process of analysing, interpreting and learning data sources. With this, computers can improve their performance without human intervention and additional programming. So, this is when and how ChatGPT scours the web for information on the Great Depression. 
• Advanced artificial intelligence algorithms are highly efficient instructions that allow computers to learn, make decisions and solve problems in a human-like manner – much like a step-by-step robot recipe! These are the built-in steps ChatGPT follows to generate its answer.

Parent Tip: How To Teach Children To Identify And Avoid Fake Content

Wondering how you can teach your children to identify and avoid fake content?

We bet you are – especially after reading all that!

Here are a few suggestions:

• Open the discussion: Talk openly with your kids about online content and the potential dangers lurking beneath the surface. Explain how AI-generated content and fake news work by providing relatable and age-appropriate examples. 
• Encourage fact-checking: Encourage your child to develop a healthy dose of scepticism towards online information. Teach them to cross-check information with credible sources, such as legit government websites or other research-based sources.
• Explain source awareness: Help your child understand the importance of reliable information. Teach them how to identify reputable websites and news outlets when researching information. For instance, first-hand information from the official Nike website is more credible than Facebook news.
• Cultivate critical thinking: Create an environment where questioning and verifying online content is the norm. Teach your kids never to take any information at face value.
• Practice what you preach: Kids are largely influenced by actions, not words. Be mindful of your own online behaviour. Set a positive example by practising responsible online habits like scrutinising digital content with a fine-toothed comb.

Tools And Resources For Monitoring And Managing Online Content Exposure

Sadly, our kids will inevitably encounter AI-generated content at some point. While we can educate and guide them on the dangers, there may still be instances where something slips through the cracks.

Luckily, we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeves to ensure further online protection: 

1. Parental control software

Here’s how you can (literately) slip into your kids’ DMs:

• Bark allows parents to remotely monitor their children’s text messages, social media accounts, web browsers, emails and other online activity. It will alert you if/when any “funny business” is detected. Bark also allows you to manage screen time, block certain websites and apps and track your kids’ whereabouts.
• mSpy lets you view your youngster’s phone in full incognito mode. From text messages and browser history to photo libraries – and everything in between. It even detects cyberbullying threats and notifies you of inappropriate ChatGPT conversations!
• Qustodio boasts YouTube, call and text monitoring, device blocking routines, location tracking and web filtering to ensure children are digitally protected.

2. Educational resources

• Common Sense Mediais an American non-profit organisation that offers age-appropriate reviews and ratings for movies, TV shows, games, apps and websites. Use it to find content that aligns with your family’s values, suited to your child’s age and development.
• NetSmartzKidsprovides free interactive videos, games and activities aimed at educating children and families about online safety and responsible behaviour.
• ConnectSafelyis an NGO that provides resources and educational materials on online safety for children and families. They offer workshops, guidebooks, podcasts and information on the latest trends in online dangers.

The Role Of Tech Companies And Regulations In Protecting Children

Tech companies have an ethical duty to design their products and services with child safety in mind. This includes:

• Age-appropriate settings
• Strict content moderation policies
• Parental control features
• Privacy settings
• Partnering with child safety organisations
• Continuously upgrading systems against harmful activities (e.g. hate speech, child exploitation). 

Governments also play a major role in protecting children (and adults), both in the real and digital domains. 

In the UK, The Online Safety Act 2023 orders tech companies to prevent and rapidly remove illegal content, like terrorism and revenge pornography. 

Additionally, these companies must prevent children from accessing harmful material, including cyberbullying, self-harm, eating disorder and pornography content.

Expert Advice: Digital Literacy And Critical Thinking Skills

“In the digital age, teaching children digital literacy is like teaching them to swim – an essential skill to navigate the vast ocean of information with confidence and resilience”. 

This is based on a recent article from Sue Atkins’ LinkedIn. Atkins is a BBC, ITV and Disney parenting expert, with many accolades to her name.

In the article, she highlights that technology is rife in everyday life and children need guidance to navigate this digital landscape safely. She explains how digital literacy promotes critical thinking and protects children from online dangers such as cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content. 

By teaching children how to recognise reliable sources, we empower them to make informed decisions to avoid AI-generated manipulation.

The Conversation Continues

Being a parent feels like a juggling act at times. 

Not only must we ensure our children are provided for and protected in the real world, but we also need to be concerned about their physical and emotional well-being on and off-screen. Educating our kids about deepfakes, misinformation and the potential dangers of online content helps create a safer experience for everyone.

How do you navigate your children’s online presence and experiences?

Join the discussion and share your strategies below.

We’d love to hear what you think…