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An alarming trend involving artificial intelligence is causing serious concern in educational institutions worldwide. The practice of creating and sharing fake, sexually explicit images of students, commonly known as ‘deepfakes’, has become disturbingly widespread among teenagers.
This troubling activity is facilitated by simple smartphone applications, which can digitally alter ordinary photographs of classmates. With these so-called ‘nudifying’ apps, a user can take an image, often sourced from social media, and manipulate it to make the subject appear without clothing. These fabricated images are then frequently circulated among peers via messaging platforms. What was once a highly specialised technology is now readily accessible, leading to devastating consequences.
This phenomenon is by no means an isolated issue, with reports emerging from various countries. In a recent case in Spain, several boys were convicted for producing and distributing such images of approximately 20 female classmates, the youngest being just 11. Similarly, an incident in Australia affected about 50 students, and one victim’s distress was so intense it resulted in physical illness. Meanwhile, recent UK surveys indicate that roughly 10% of secondary school teachers were aware of students creating this type of content during the last academic year.
For the victims, who are predominantly girls, the emotional toll is profound. This form of digital harassment can leave them feeling violated, humiliated, and betrayed by their peers. The social repercussions within the school environment are equally severe, often leading to the complete breakdown of friendships and trust.
In response to this crisis, an urgent debate has emerged regarding the most effective course of action. Some officials advocate for a complete ban on the applications that enable this behaviour. Simultaneously, educators are considering how to deal with the individuals responsible. While some schools favour strict punishments and police intervention, others argue for an educational approach, with an emphasis on teaching students about consent and respect. There is, however, a general consensus that proactive education on digital safety and media literacy is crucial to prevent such harm.