AI-generated fake images and deepfakes: what Quinte parents need to know
AI can make fake images look real. This parent guide explains the risk, how children can be harmed or cause harm, and the right steps when an image is shared or threatened.
A sexualized image does not have to be authentic to harm a child. AI can create or alter convincing images through mainstream apps, websites and consumer tools. A fake image can still be used to humiliate, pressure, bully or exploit someone.
The practical point for parents
- A convincing image is no longer proof that something happened.
- Children need protection from fake images and clear guidance not to create, alter, share or forward them.
- Do not make a child prove an image is real before offering help.
- Do not forward intimate material. Preserve account names, links, dates, messages and threats instead.
- Use the platform report process, NeedHelpNow.ca, Cybertip.ca and police when appropriate.
What has changed
Non-consensual distribution of intimate images, or NCDII, can involve a real image shared without permission, an edited image, or an image created using AI. A deepfake is a photo, video, voice clip or other media created or altered with artificial intelligence to appear real.
The reported numbers are not a complete count of all incidents. They are reports received by Cybertip.ca involving children and youth, and reporting patterns can change as young people, families and schools recognize what is happening.
Why “it is fake” is not an adequate response
A generated image can be used to impersonate a student, humiliate them in a group chat, threaten distribution or pressure them into further contact. The child may be dealing with classmates, followers and adults who believe the image is real, or who use its existence as a weapon even while knowing it is fabricated.
Adults should not make the child prove authenticity before offering protection. The first questions are: Are you safe right now? Who has seen or threatened to share it? Is anyone demanding money, more images or an in-person meeting?
Why access matters
Some image-generation tools are built into mainstream products and websites. Grok, for example, is an AI assistant available through X. Other technology works differently: Stable Diffusion is a family of AI image-generation models, not one single platform. Versions can be used through online services, included in other products, or run on a person’s own computer or private server.
Parents do not need the technical details. The practical issue is that realistic fake images are easier to create than many people realize. A high-end gaming computer can make some local software practical, but it is not required; web and mobile tools can also be inexpensive or free to try.
Children need guidance about creating and sharing harm too
This is not only a conversation about children being targeted. A young person may create, alter, save, forward or laugh at an image because of curiosity, peer pressure, a dare or a group chat culture—not because they set out to seriously hurt someone. The effect on the person in the image can still be serious.
Teach these before there is a problem.
The goal is clear judgment, not shame.
- 01
Do not upload, alter, generate or share an image of another person without their permission.
- 02
Do not create sexualized, nude, humiliating or deceptive images—not as a joke, dare, prank or revenge.
- 03
Do not save, forward, repost, react to or help circulate an image that could harm someone.
- 04
If a friend sends one, do not pass it on. Tell a trusted adult.
- 05
If you made or shared something and regret it, come forward early. Hiding it makes it harder to stop.
“You can tell me if someone does this to you. And you are responsible for not doing it to someone else.”
What families and schools can learn
- Image abuse includes altered and AI-generated material. The response should be based on the harm and the non-consensual sharing, not only on whether a camera captured the original image.
- Speed matters. Images can be copied and reshared quickly, so early support and reporting are important.
- Shame can block disclosure. Do not punish a child for taking, sharing or receiving an image before you understand the situation.
- Adults should coordinate carefully. Do not circulate the image to “show” other parents or staff. Use the official guide and reporting routes.
What parents may notice
Stress or secrecy
Sudden panic after a message, unusual protectiveness around a device, or fear that “everyone has seen something.”
Pressure or threats
Repeated messages, demands for money or images, an urgent request to move to another app, or threats to contact friends and family.
Group-chat behaviour
Minimizing a forwarded image because “everyone else did it,” or a sudden fear about school, friends or a private chat.
One sign does not prove what is happening. Start calmly: “You seem stressed about something online. You are not going to be in trouble for telling me. Let’s figure out what happened.”
What to do if an image is shared or threatened
I believe you. You are not in trouble. We will focus on stopping the harm and getting you support.
- 1
Protect the child first.
Stay calm. Ask about immediate danger, threats, blackmail, self-harm or someone trying to meet them.
- 2
Do not forward or collect the image.
Do not ask the child to send it to you. Preserve usernames, profile links, dates, messages and threats without helping the image spread.
- 3
Report where it appeared.
Use the reporting process for the app, website or account where the material was posted or sent.
- 4
Use Google’s NCII removal process when relevant.
Google can consider removal requests for non-consensual explicit imagery from Google Search, including fake or AI-generated sexual imagery. This can reduce discoverability in Search; it does not remove the original content from the hosting site.
- 5
Use the Canadian help route.
NeedHelpNow.ca provides practical support for young people. Report suspected online child sexual exploitation through Cybertip.ca. Call 911 for immediate danger and call or text 9-8-8 for emotional crisis or suicide risk.
Questions parents ask
Does a child need to prove the image is fake?
No. Respond to the harm, pressure and non-consensual sharing. A young person deserves help whether the image is real, altered or completely fabricated.
Should I punish my child if they made or forwarded one?
Stop the behaviour, protect the person harmed and involve the right adult or school process. A response built entirely on punishment can make a young person hide what happened; clear consequences and early accountability are more useful than secrecy.
What if the image is on an unknown site or was created privately?
Focus on preserving the account details, links, threats and evidence of distribution. Use Cybertip.ca and police where appropriate. There may not be one company that can remove it, which makes reporting and limiting further spread especially important.
Sources and further reading
- Canadian Centre for Child Protection: Youth NCDII guide updated for AI-generated deepfakes
- Cybertip.ca: report online child sexual exploitation
- NeedHelpNow.ca: support for youth affected by intimate-image abuse
- Google: remove non-consensual explicit imagery from Search
- Stability AI: self-hosting information
Quinte Protects explains sourced information for prevention and community awareness. It does not investigate active cases or replace police, Cybertip.ca, victim services, crisis care or specialist organizations.