What Is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial Intelligence refers to technology that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as generating text, answering questions, creating images, recognising speech or making predictions.

Many young people are already using AI, sometimes without realising it. AI powers search engines, recommendation algorithms, social media feeds, virtual assistants and an increasing number of educational tools.

Understanding AI doesn’t require technical expertise. What matters most is knowing how it may influence your child’s experiences online and helping them think critically about the information they encounter.

Watch our upcoming webinar on AI and ‘nudification’ apps:

One of the fastest-growing concerns surrounding AI is the rise of realistic fake images, videos and audio recordings, often known as “deepfakes”.

Young people may struggle to distinguish between genuine and AI-generated content online. Deepfakes can be used to spread misinformation, manipulate public opinion, facilitate bullying or create harmful content involving individuals without their consent.

Helping children develop critical thinking skills is becoming increasingly important as it becomes harder to identify what is real online.

Join our free webinar!

AI and Online Harm: What Families Need to Know

4th November 2026 at 7:00pm

AI-generated imagery and deepfake technology are creating new and rapidly evolving forms of abuse. This session aims to help parents and carers understand risk and seek support.,

Sign up here

AI Chatbots and Emotional Dependence

AI chatbots are becoming increasingly sophisticated and are often designed to feel engaging, supportive and conversational.

While some young people may find comfort in speaking to an AI assistant, there is growing concern about the potential for emotional reliance on technology rather than real-world relationships and support networks.

Parents and carers can help by remaining curious about the digital tools their children use and encouraging healthy balances between online and offline connections.

Misinformation, Manipulation and Trust

AI has made it easier than ever to create convincing articles, social media posts, videos and images in a matter of seconds.

This can make it difficult for children and young people to determine what information is trustworthy. False information may be shared quickly and repeatedly, making it appear credible.

Supporting young people to question sources, verify information and seek trusted advice is an important digital resilience skill for the future.

AI, Relationships and Online Safety

As AI technology evolves, it is increasingly being used in ways that affect relationships, identity and wellbeing.

Examples include:

• AI-generated influencers and online personalities
• Unrealistic beauty standards created through edited images
• Fake conversations and impersonation
• AI-generated scams and fraud
• Harmful or inappropriate content created at speed
• There are incidents of relationship abuse where those who wish to exert power and control will use AI to monitor their partners social media with AI.

Open and ongoing conversations about online experiences remain one of the most effective ways of helping children navigate these challenges.

View our Partner resources:

As part of our AI resources, we’re pleased to share a video from Parven Kaur at Kids and Clicks, which introduces parents and carers to ChatGPT and other AI chatbots.

The video explores what ChatGPT is, how children and young people are using it, and some of the benefits and challenges families should be aware of.