Back to School, Back Online: NCMEC’s New Animated Video Helps Kids Outsmart Fake Images

Alexandria, VA,- The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) is sounding the alarm this back-to-school season on one of the fastest-growing online threats facing kids today: the misuse of generative artificial intelligence (GAI). As children head back to school and spend more time online for homework, socializing, and gaming, these new and evolving risks are becoming harder to ignore.

In 2024, NCMEC saw a 1,325% increase in CyberTipline reports involving GAI. These included peer-to-peer misuse, where children used “nudify” apps and other tools to create and share explicit images of classmates, as well as sextortion cases, where offenders use GAI-generated images to blackmail children for more content, sexual activity, or money.

To help families navigate this new reality, NCMEC has released a brand-new episode of its flagship online safety animated series, “Into the Cloud.” Titled “That’s Not Me!”, the episode follows characters Clicky and Nettie as they discover someone is using AI tools to create fake images of people. With the help of their friends, they work to stop GAI misuse and teach young viewers what to do if they encounter something concerning online.

NCMEC’s “Into the Cloud” presents important safety information in an age-appropriate and entertaining way. Season 3, designed for children ages 10 and 11, focuses on preventing online enticement, sextortion and GAI victimization, as well as providing resources to report and access to support.

“Back-to-school is the perfect time to have conversations about potential dangers online,” said Stacy Garrett, vice president of NCMEC’s content and community engagement division. “The more we talk to our kids about what they’re seeing and experiencing online, the better equipped they’ll be to handle it, including knowing they can come to us when something feels wrong.”

Back to school is a fresh start, and a chance to set healthy digital habits that last all year. By taking the time now to talk with kids about potential dangers online, including how AI can be misused, parents and caregivers can help them recognize red flags, know where to turn and feel confident about reporting concerns.

NCMEC has created free tipsheets for parents, caregivers, and educators to help start those conversations with children of all ages. Here are three easy ways to get started:

• Educate yourself about how GAI can be misused and talk to your kids about the risks.

• Ask your child to show you how they use AI tools and what they know about them.

• Reassure them they can come to you if something makes them feel uncomfortable—no matter what.