In an era where technology is both a boon and a bane, the intersection of artificial intelligence and cyberbullying presents new challenges for educators, parents, and students alike. With the rise of AI-generated content such as deepfakes, the lines between reality and fiction are increasingly blurred, posing significant risks to individuals' reputations and mental health.
Understanding AI Deepfakes
Deepfakes leverage artificial intelligence to create realistic but fake content. They have been used humorously to show celebrities dancing or inappropriately to fabricate interviews with public figures like England's Euro 2024 coach Gareth Southgate. In more sinister applications, parents have received fake calls from their children claiming they are in distress, manipulating emotions for financial gain.
The Impact on Students
The 2023-2024 school year saw 1,261,962 K-12 students enrolled in Virginia public schools. Among them, 474 reported incidents of cyberbullying. These statistics underscore a pressing need to address this issue within educational settings. The Virginia Standards of Learning have begun integrating anti-bullying education across various grade levels:
- First Grade Family Life: Teaching young children how to handle playground bullies.
- Eighth Grade Health Education: Differentiating between bullying behaviors and other social interactions.
- Sixth Grade Computer Science: Defining cyberbullying and discussing its impacts on health and well-being.
The Center for Democracy & Technology's Findings
The Center for Democracy & Technology highlights alarming statistics regarding non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII) and deepfake NCII. A staggering 39% of high school students report awareness of NCII, yet only 23% of teachers share this awareness. Similarly, 15% of students have heard of deepfake NCII compared to 11% of teachers. This gap underscores the need for more comprehensive education and resources for both students and educators.
Moreover, while 71% of teachers reported that offending students faced serious consequences such as law enforcement referral or suspension, only 10% of students noted that their schools provide resources to support victims.
The Psychological Impacts
The psychological toll of cyberbullying is profound. Participants who experience cyberbullying are over four times more likely to report suicidal thoughts or attempts compared to those unaffected by such harassment. Both victims and offenders are at an elevated risk of experiencing severe mental health issues, highlighting the urgent need for preventive measures and support systems.
Tackling the Issue: Existing Resources and Proposals
A multifaceted approach is essential for combating cyberbullying involving AI tools. Current resources focus on prevention, awareness, victim support, and educator training. However, there is room for improvement:
- Add Resources: Enhancing the Department of Education's Bullying Prevention webpage with information on AI dangers.
- Create Support Systems: Providing additional resources for victims.
- Slogan Contest: Engaging middle and high school students in developing anti-cyberbullying slogans.
The newly formed Artificial Intelligence Task Force under Governor Youngkin could play a pivotal role in these initiatives.
This complex issue requires collaboration among educators, policymakers, technology experts, and communities to ensure a safe learning environment for all students.
If you wish to explore more about these initiatives and proposals, please follow this link.
