How Deepfake Images Are Impacting Teens—and What Parents and Educators Need to Know
Hi Shape the Sky Community,
For the last two years, I’ve been speaking extensively about how artificial intelligence is changing the world our youth are growing up in—and not always for the better.
As adults, we’re now facing situations that we never could have imagined dealing with when we were teenagers. Technology has advanced faster than our cultural conversations about it, and our kids are on the front lines. That makes our jobs harder than ever before—as parents, educators, counselors, and caring adults. But it also makes our guidance more important than ever.
One of the most urgent issues right now is the rise of deepfake explicit content—AI-generated images designed to embarrass, harass, or exploit someone, often without their knowledge or consent.
A new report from Thorn shows just how real this problem has become—and how many teens are affected by it.
What Are Deepfake “Nude” Images?
These are digitally altered images, created with artificial intelligence, that falsely depict a person—often a teen—in an inappropriate or compromising way. A simple selfie from social media can be misused and transformed into something harmful.
These images are being used by peers to humiliate, threaten, or manipulate others—and the victims often don’t find out until it’s too late.
Key Findings from Thorn’s Research
- 1 in 4 teens know someone who’s had an inappropriate deepfake image created of them.
- Most of these are made by other teens—friends, classmates, or exes—not strangers.
- Victims are usually caught off guard, discovering the content only after it spreads.
- The emotional impact includes fear, shame, and confusion—and many don’t know who to turn to.
Why This Is Such a Big Deal
- These images may be fake, but the damage to mental health and self-worth is real.
- Teens often struggle to prove the content is altered, which can hurt their reputation.
- Some don’t realize this is a serious issue with legal consequences.
- And worse—many adults are unaware this is even happening.
What You Can Do to Help
We can’t stop the technology, but we can prepare our kids. Here’s how you can take action:
💬 Start the Conversation
- “Have you ever heard of someone editing someone else’s face into something inappropriate?”
- “What would you do if something like that happened to you or someone you know?”
- “Who would you go to if you felt unsafe or embarrassed about something online?”
✔️ Actionable Steps for Adults
- Explain how these tools work in age-appropriate ways.
- Reinforce digital consent—editing and sharing someone’s photo without permission is not okay.
- Be aware of AI editing apps—many are accessible in seconds.
- Encourage empathy—help kids understand the emotional toll these images take.
- Create a safe space for teens to talk, even if they were involved.
- Know how to report content quickly to platforms, schools, and law enforcement.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just about tech—it’s about protecting emotional safety, privacy, and dignity in a world where those lines are easily blurred.
We’re facing challenges our parents never did, but we also have more tools and knowledge than ever before. Let’s use them to protect and empower the next generation.
✅ For more resources, tools, and training on youth, tech, and mental health, visit:
👉 www.ShapeTheSky.org
Stay strong and stay informed,
Ryan