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This note comes from Mistlift, a plain-language guide for parents and educators to what kids are into online.

A note for families: AI nudify deepfakes of teens

Watch Ages 12-17 Last checked June 26, 2026

What it is

AI tools can turn ordinary photos of teens into fake nude images that get passed around among classmates or used to threaten and extort, which is a real harm to the teens pictured even though the images are fake.

How much it matters

Real but nuanced. Usually fine; it depends on the kid and how they use it.

Should you worry?

Anyone can be targeted using photos that are already public, and the image does not have to be real to hurt: Québec reporting describes girls as young as 12 whose faked images were shared at school and used to bully them. In the UK, a school was threatened with AI-generated abuse images made from photos on its own website. Warning signs include a child who suddenly avoids school or their phone, seems ashamed or anxious, or mentions rumours about pictures of them. If it happens, believe your child and stay calm: it is not their fault. Save screenshots without forwarding them, report the account and the images on the platform, and tell the school. Do not pay or negotiate with anyone making threats. Because these images depict minors, the police can be involved, and kids who make or share them can face serious legal and school consequences.

What to say

“I read that some people use AI to make fake nude pictures of kids from regular photos. If that ever happened to you or a friend, I wouldn't be angry, and I'd want to help right away. Do you know if anyone at school has been dealing with this?”

If you’re worried

If your child is in immediate danger, call 911. To report online sexual exploitation, including fake sexual images and threats, contact Cybertip.ca. NeedHelpNow.ca helps get intimate images, including fake ones, taken down. Kids Help Phone is available to your child at 1-800-668-6868 or by texting 686868. If your child talks about hurting themselves, call or text 988.

Sources

Read the full card, and share it, at mistlift.app/cards/ai-nudify-deepfakes