Beyond the Classroom: How Artificial Intelligence Is Affecting School Safety

Artificial intelligence has become a familiar topic in K-12 education, with much of the conversation focused on classroom instruction and academic integrity. Increasingly, however, AI is also affecting school safety. Schools are responding to AI-generated explicit images, the misuse of AI for criminal purposes, and other incidents that present new challenges.

In response, districts are developing governance frameworks, updating policies, and evaluating where AI can be used responsibly in education. These developments show that conversations about AI now extend beyond teaching and learning to include school safety and district operations.

AI Is Reshaping School Safety Incidents

Many of today's school safety challenges are not new. Bullying, harassment, exploitation, threats, and the nonconsensual sharing of explicit images have long affected schools. What is changing is how AI can be used to create, manipulate, and amplify these incidents.

Research suggests AI-generated explicit images are not an isolated issue. According to a 2025 report from Thorn, AI-generated explicit images are not an isolated issue. Approximately one in 17 young people ages 13 to 20 reported being the target of AI-generated nude imagery, with females accounting for nearly 90% of victims. The organization identified three common forms of abuse: facial transplants, digitally removing clothing, and generating entirely fabricated sexually explicit images depicting real people.

In one recent case, a middle school teacher was charged after allegedly using AI to create child sexual abuse material from photos of students. In another, a teacher became the target of AI-generated nude images that a student allegedly created and circulated online. These incidents reflect how AI can be used to create, manipulate, and distribute harmful content in ways that were far more difficult—or in some cases impossible—just a few years ago.

As AI-generated images, audio, and video become more realistic and accessible, determining whether content is authentic may become increasingly difficult. This can complicate investigations, create challenges when determining appropriate disciplinary action, and require closer coordination with law enforcement.

Although the technology is evolving rapidly, the goal for school safety leaders remains the same: responding effectively to incidents, supporting victims, and ensuring policies keep pace with emerging digital threats.

How Schools Are Responding to AI-Generated Explicit Images

As schools encounter AI-generated explicit images, many are moving beyond case-by-case responses. Districts are reviewing policies, educating students and families, restricting access to some AI tools on school-issued devices, and providing staff guidance.

Following an incident involving AI-generated explicit images shared by students, one Illinois district worked with law enforcement, held emergency educational sessions, and informed families that AI-generated explicit images would be treated as sexting under district policy.

Other districts are taking preventive steps while developing AI policies and guidance. One Michigan district formed AI policy committees, blocked certain AI platforms on student Chromebooks, and began educating students about AI manipulation. Some schools are also partnering with local law enforcement to educate students about deepfakes and explain that creating or distributing AI-generated explicit images may carry serious legal consequences, even when no real photograph was ever taken.

States are also updating laws in response to AI-generated explicit images. It is now a crime in Michigan to create or distribute sexually explicit deepfakes without consent, while Illinois recently expanded its definition of cyberbullying to include AI-generated digital replicas and deepfakes. Beginning with the 2026-27 school year, Illinois districts must update their policies to address these incidents, including disciplinary procedures.

Schools Are Establishing AI Governance

Beyond responding to AI misuse, many states and districts are also developing broader policies to guide how AI is used in education. These efforts address issues such as student privacy, transparency, educator training, AI literacy, and responsible implementation. Recent initiatives in states including North Carolina, Idaho, and Virginia reflect this broader shift.

Some school systems are also slowing adoption until those frameworks are in place. For example, New York City Public Schools recently paused purchases of AI-powered educational technology while district leaders develop a comprehensive governance framework to guide future AI implementation.

At the same time, educators continue exploring where AI may offer meaningful benefits. At this year's International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) conferences, educators shared examples of using AI-powered chatbots to help students practice social-emotional skills such as empathy and conflict resolution in low-pressure environments.

Organizations are also developing implementation resources. One example is a UNESCO-European Union initiative creating a teacher toolkit to help educators evaluate AI tools and address issues such as privacy, transparency, inclusion, and ethical use.

Questions School Safety Leaders Should Be Asking

As AI becomes more integrated into K-12 education, districts are evaluating both its risks and its potential uses.

Some questions districts may want to consider include:

• Do our existing policies address AI-generated images, audio, or other synthetic media?
• Have we discussed how AI-generated content could affect investigations or student discipline?
• Who is responsible for evaluating AI tools before they are adopted?
• How are we balancing innovation with privacy, security, and student well-being?
• What training do staff need to recognize and respond to AI-related incidents?
• How will we educate students and families about responsible AI use and the consequences of misuse?

How is your district approaching AI? Share your experiences, questions, or lessons learned in the comments below.