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Safeguarding in the Age of AI
What Parents Need to Know About Sharing School Photos Online
As parents, we all love seeing photos of our children celebrating achievements, participating in College events, and creating memories with their friends. However, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner is warning that advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have created new risks that every family should understand before sharing images online.
Why Are School Photos a Concern?
AI tools have become increasingly powerful, accessible and easy to use. Images posted on school websites, social media platforms and community pages can be downloaded and manipulated without consent. According to eSafety, reports involving the misuse of school-related images have increased over the past 18 months.
Between January and March 2026, eSafety received more than 100 reports relating to anonymous accounts targeting schools and staff. These included AI-generated videos, face swaps, memes and fabricated stories created using images taken from school websites and social media accounts.
What Is AI Image Misuse?
AI technology can alter photos and videos in ways that appear realistic. Examples include:
- Creating fake videos using a person’s face.
- Generating misleading or embarrassing content.
- Producing false stories or profiles using genuine photographs.
- Creating “deepfake” images without the person’s knowledge or consent.
While these technologies can be used creatively and responsibly, they can also be weaponised to harm students, staff and families.
The Impact on Young People
The misuse of images can have significant consequences, including:
- Emotional distress and embarrassment.
- Damage to reputation and relationships.
- Cyberbullying and online harassment.
- Loss of privacy and personal security.
Behind every report is a real person affected by the misuse of their image, whether they are a student, teacher or family member.
How Parents Can Help Protect Their Children
Think Before You Share
Consider whether a photo needs to be posted publicly. Once an image is online, it may be difficult or impossible to control how it is used.
Review Privacy Settings
Ensure social media accounts are set to the most appropriate privacy level and regularly review who can view and download your content.
Limit Identifying Information
Avoid sharing details such as:
- School uniforms displaying logos.
- Student names.
- Locations and timetables.
- Other personal information that could identify a child.
Talk About Digital Footprints
Help children understand that photos and videos shared online can remain accessible long after they are posted.
Report Concerns Quickly
If you discover that photos of your child have been misused, report the content to the platform immediately and seek advice from the College and eSafety.
Working Together as a School Community
Schools face the challenge of celebrating student success while protecting privacy and safety. St Brigid’s takes this responsibility seriously and we continue to review our practices. Parents can expect to see more changes in the way we share student achievements, so we are acting in the best interests to safeguard our students.
eSafety recommends a risk-based approach to sharing images, ensuring appropriate consent is obtained and regularly reviewing privacy and security settings.
Parents, carers and schools all have a role to play in creating safer online environments. By being thoughtful about how and where images are shared, we can continue to celebrate our children’s achievements while reducing the risks posed by emerging AI technologies.
Further Information: Visit the eSafety Commissioner website for the latest advice on online safety, AI risks and resources for families and schools. esafety.gov.au
Reporting online harm: eSafety helps Australians prevent and deal with harm caused by serious online abuse or illegal and restricted online content. Report online harm | eSafety Commissioner
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Information in this article is courtesy of the e-safety Commissioner article: Sharing school imagery in the age of AI: risks, deepfakes, and how to protect students and staff | eSafety Commissioner