Keeping Your Child Safe from AI Scraping

What is AI Scraping?

AI scraping is when computer programs collect photos, videos and personal details from the internet, often without anyone knowing. This can happen to things shared on social media, school websites and apps. That information can then be used to build profiles, train other AI programs, or, in rare cases, create fake images called deepfakes. Here is how to help keep your child's information safe, and how to check nothing has slipped through.

Checking in on your Child

• Search your child's name and school online to see what comes up.
• Try a reverse image search, like Google Images, to see where a photo has appeared.
• Check what your child's apps can see, like the camera or your location.
• Talk to your child often about who they speak to online.
• Turn on parental controls, like Family Link or Screen Time.
• Watch for signs such as a hidden phone, new online friends or odd messages.
• Agree one family rule together: always ask before you post.

Protecting you Child's information

• Make your child's social media private, and check who can see it often.
• Turn off location tags before you post a photo.
• Avoid photos that show school uniforms, name badges or your home address.
• Ask other parents before you share photos with their children in them.
• Check the privacy settings on every app, not just the big ones.
• Read the rules before using AI filters or avatar apps. Some keep your photos.
• Check your school's photo consent form, so you know how photos are used.

Where to get help

• Speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead first.
• CEOP/Thinkuknow: www.thinkuknow.co.uk - report at www.ceop.police.uk 
• Internet Matters: www.internetmatters.org 
• NSPCC: www.nspcc.org.uk · 0808 800 5000