In 2025, A New Direction created an AI and Safeguarding Working Group for people and organisations working with Children and Young People who are concerned about the risks and implications of Generative AI. It was started in response to concerns from a small group of our cultural sector partners about photography and protecting CYP from harms. The working group meets as needed to collaborate and respond to emerging priorities.

What are we trying to address? 

A New Direction was invited to begin a candid conversation across the cultural education sector and how arts organisations and schools can safely share the content of their work, whilst simultaneously ensuring the safety of participants the individuals taking part.  

The informal working group is for those interested in:  

  • Learning more about the challenges AI & Generative Images presents for our work 
  • Understanding the risks and how to mitigate against them  
  • Informing and sharing with peers to better protect the children and young people we are working with 
  • Discussing creative solutions to communicating our work online 
  • Changing their own organisational or programmatic approach  
  • Improving the cultural sector’s response and responsibilities. 

Here are our upcoming meet-ups:

AI and Safeguarding Roundtable Discussion - Autumn

  • Date: Tuesday 3 Nov 2026
  • Time: 10 am – 12 pm
  • Location: Online

This online session will provide space for members to exchange updates, raise questions and reflect on how organisations are responding to the safeguarding risks and implications of AI, particularly around the use and management of images and video assets involving children and young people.

What we’ll cover:

  • Updates from working group members on image safeguarding actions, current issues and emerging approaches.
  • A contribution from Voice 21 on their long-term project focused on managing image and video assets.
  • Discussion on applications from young people using AI.
    Space to raise other AI and safeguarding issues for the group to consider moving forward.

This online roundtable is open to people and organisations who are already signed up to A New Direction’s AI and Safeguarding Working Group. To book to attend, please sign up to the group here.