Parental Guidance: 5 Principles to Protect Kids from AI-Driven Exploitation

On November 4, 2025, experts warned that the threat of child exploitation has evolved beyond the need for children to share explicit images. Perpetrators can now use AI tools to modify images of fully-clothed children and use them to "sextort" or sexually extort children.

Addressing this alarming trend, Chris Yadon of the nonprofit Saprea called on parents and caregivers to take action, offering five key principles to mitigate the risks of AI on children. First, he emphasized the importance of assessing risky situations and practicing navigating them with children. Second, teaching children to set, hold, and respect boundaries is crucial, as more than half of sexual harm to children is done by other minors.

Maintaining open communication with children is the third principle, as Yadon stressed the need for children to feel secure in addressing their questions and concerns. The fourth principle is educating children about sexual health, as Yadon noted that if parents don't provide this information, children may seek it from less reliable sources, exposing them to further risks.

Finally, Yadon highlighted the importance of parents and caregivers first "figuring out their own stuff" by learning to regulate their emotional health, so they can then better support their children. Yadon expressed hope that by addressing this "big, ugly problem," society can finally make progress in protecting children from the growing threat of AI-driven exploitation.