Growing Up in the Age of Deepfakes: The New Reality for Teenagers and Schools

As technology rapidly evolves, teenagers today face unprecedented challenges. Among these, the rise of deepfake technology—a sophisticated form of digital manipulation that merges real images or videos with computer-generated content—stands out as one of the most alarming. Originally created for artistic and entertainment purposes, deepfakes are now weaponized to exploit, harass, and violate the privacy of individuals, predominantly women and girls.

Deepfakes: A Disturbing Trend

Deepfake technology has become more accessible and effective, leading to an increase in non-consensual image-based abuse. The digital landscape that young people inhabit is rife with potential for both creative expression and significant harm. A recent report highlighted a dramatic rise in online platforms offering AI-powered tools to “undress” individuals in photos. Such practices not only compromise the dignity of victims but also set a dangerous precedent for the normalization of digital harassment.

This phenomenon leaves educators, students, and parents navigating new waters. Female teachers, in particular, face heightened vulnerability, as the creation and sharing of deepfakes can occur without their awareness or consent. The prospect of being targeted in this way has led to a climate of anxiety in schools, with many teachers describing a sense of “hypervigilance” over personal images and videos.

The Culture of Blame: Shifting Perspectives

A troubling aspect of image-based abuse is the persistent culture of victim-blaming. When a case surfaces, discussions often veer toward questioning the victim’s behavior or intentions, reinforcing gendered narratives that protect perpetrators. With deepfakes, however, this pattern shifts—the content is fabricated, meaning the victim had no part in its creation. This development could, ideally, redirect focus onto those who create and distribute such content, a long-overdue change in discourse.

Yet, despite this potential shift, experts like criminal lawyer Katrina Marson caution that deeply ingrained societal biases may continue to uphold victim-blaming. The challenge, then, is to push for education and awareness that prevent such narratives from regaining traction.

Schools on the Frontline: Educator and Student Experiences

Educational settings have become hotbeds for technology-assisted gendered misconduct. Teachers report that gendered harassment has reached unprecedented levels, supported by stories of incidents that include students projecting inappropriate material onto classroom screens or ranking peers with derogatory terms on social media. Despite efforts to address these behaviors, many schools find themselves outpaced by the rapidly advancing digital world.

Teachers like Ellen and Rachel (names changed for privacy) recount encounters with misconduct that reveal a worrying trend: parents often shield their sons from accountability. “Not my boy” has become a common refrain, underscoring a reluctance to accept that young people can engage in harmful behaviors. This defensiveness stymies educators’ attempts to guide students toward better choices and fosters an environment where inappropriate actions are dismissed as mere pranks.

Toxic Role Models: The Online Influence of Misogyny

The internet is fertile ground for reinforcing harmful stereotypes, with influencers like Andrew Tate and similar figures perpetuating toxic masculinity. These personalities glamorize attitudes that undermine respectful behavior and dismiss empathy, influencing how young men view themselves and interact with their peers. Efforts by educational authorities to counteract this influence, such as programs to teach students about consent and online respect, are steps in the right direction but often lack the necessary reach or consistency.

Rethinking Responses: Beyond Punishment

When misconduct involving deepfakes occurs, schools and legal systems often respond reactively. Expulsions and disciplinary measures signal seriousness but may not address underlying issues or prevent future incidents. Instead, a combination of preventive education and restorative justice could be more effective. By encouraging understanding and accountability, restorative approaches aim to help perpetrators recognize the real harm their actions cause, while supporting victims in their recovery.

However, experts stress that schools need more than just new policies; they require training that empowers teachers to confidently deliver education on complex topics like consent, digital ethics, and empathy. Without this foundational support, even well-intentioned programs may falter.

Looking Forward: Empowering Communities

To navigate these challenges, communities must work together. Schools, parents, and policymakers need to create an ecosystem where respect is taught as a core value, not just a lesson in a curriculum. Parents must confront uncomfortable truths and support their children in taking responsibility when they make mistakes, fostering growth rather than defensiveness. Schools should invest in comprehensive teacher training and workshops that keep pace with digital developments.

Finally, young people need to be equipped with critical thinking skills that enable them to challenge toxic narratives and understand the real consequences of digital behavior. Empowering teenagers to be thoughtful digital citizens can pave the way for a safer, more respectful online environment.

The rise of deepfakes and related technology represents a significant new frontier in digital ethics and safety. Addressing this issue requires more than just reactive measures; it demands a cultural shift that emphasizes empathy, accountability, and proactive education. The stakes are high, but the potential for positive change is within reach if all members of society take responsibility and act.