Majority of young people worry AI will be used to make inappropriate images of them 10.02.2026

A recent survey by the UK Safer Internet Centre and Nominet reveals significant concerns among young people regarding the inappropriate use of artificial intelligence (AI). Three in five individuals aged eight to 17 expressed worry about AI being used to create explicit images of them, with 12% reporting they have already witnessed peers using AI for such purposes. This concern is mirrored by parents, as 65% are worried about AI's misuse concerning their children. Despite these anxieties, 97% of young people surveyed are actively using AI, with 58% believing it improves their lives, often for emotional support and homework assistance. However, 35% of young people feel AI has reduced their creativity, and a third of parents worry about its impact on cognitive development. The National Education Union has called for urgent government action to address these risks and provide necessary resources for safe and ethical AI use.















