Safeguarding and Gen AI: Photography of Children is a resource designed for practitioners and organisations who want to reflect on their current approaches to digital safeguarding and take steps to protect children and young people in an evolving landscape.
Developed through sector wide discussions as an urgent response to the risk presented by the misuse of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to steal and manipulate photographs of children, this document brings together concerns, insights and ideas from cultural practitioners working with children and young people. It does not aim to be comprehensive, but to open up conversation and support stronger, sector wide safeguarding practices in the age of AI. It outlines why these risks are escalating and offers actionable suggestions for safer practice, including:
- safe uses of photography and video of children
- alternatives to sharing identifiable images
- raising awareness among staff, freelancers, partners and parents
- updating safeguarding policies to reflect AI related risks
Written by Stella Barnes, shaped by discussions and contributions from cultural sector practitioners in 2025-2026. Commissioned by A New Direction in partnership with Cygnus Academies Trust, Eastside, London Bubble, Speech Bubbles and AI Youth.
