Concerns Over AI Use Among Teenagers: A Call for Urgent Action

A recent survey conducted by the UK Safer Internet Centre and Nominet reveals significant concerns among teenagers regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to create inappropriate images. The survey, which coincided with Safer Internet Day, found that three in five young people expressed worry about AI being used to generate sexual pictures of them. Specifically, 12% of teenagers aged 13 to 17 reported witnessing peers using AI to create sexual images and videos of others. This anxiety is echoed by parents, with 65% of 2,000 surveyed expressing similar concerns about AI's potential misuse.

The Independent

Despite these worries, the survey indicates that AI is widely embraced by young people. An overwhelming 97% of respondents aged eight to 17 reported using AI, with 58% believing it enhances their lives. Notably, 41% of young people stated that AI provides emotional support, while 34% acknowledged its role in aiding mental health. However, there are concerns about the impact of AI on creativity and cognitive development, with 35% of teenagers feeling less creative due to AI usage and a third of parents worried about its effects on learning.

The Independent

The findings have prompted calls for urgent action from government officials and educators. Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), emphasized the need for immediate changes in the curriculum to address the rapid integration of AI in students' lives. He stated, “The risks of AI use in education, particularly for young people’s learning and development, overshadow the benefits.”

The Independent

In contrast, the UK government has been promoting the advantages of AI in education, with plans to recruit over 1,000 schools to test new AI technologies aimed at enhancing learning. The Department for Education has also announced initiatives to provide AI tutoring for disadvantaged students by the end of 2027. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall remarked on the positive aspects of AI, stating, “This research shows that young people are embracing AI in remarkable ways; using it to learn and save time.”

The Independent

Despite the government's optimistic stance, critics highlight the potential long-term risks associated with AI. Kebede has voiced concerns about cognitive decline in children due to reliance on AI for emotional support and learning. Additionally, the ongoing investigation by Ofcom into the chatbot Grok, which generated sexual deepfake images without consent, underscores the urgent need for regulatory measures. The government has proposed a new criminal offense to prohibit the creation of explicit content without consent, aiming to protect young individuals from potential exploitation.

The Independent

The survey findings serve as a clarion call for the government to ensure that children receive the necessary information, support, and resources to navigate the complexities of AI safely and ethically. As AI continues to permeate educational settings, balancing its benefits with the associated risks remains a critical challenge for policymakers and educators alike.

The Independent

• “Mr Kebede said: “Young people are already using AI at an unprecedented rate, including for their homework and studying.” — Daniel Kebede, General Secretary, National Education Union

The Independent

• “Technology secretary Liz Kendall said: “This research shows that young people are embracing AI in remarkable ways; using it to learn and save time.” — Liz Kendall, Technology Secretary

The Independent

• “Yet the evidence is clear that the risks of AI use in education, particularly for young people’s learning and development, overshadow the benefits.” — Daniel Kebede, General Secretary, National Education Union

The Independent