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Dear Parents/Guardians,

As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, we are seeing new opportunities for learning and creativity, but also new challenges in keeping young people safe. One of the most significant digital safety issues currently facing schools is the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create fake images of real people.

Today, students have access to increasingly powerful AI tools. When used responsibly, these technologies can support learning, problem-solving, and innovation. However, when misused, they can cause significant harm in a very short period of time. AI-generated deepfakes are an increasing concern in schools across Australia. Such images can damage reputations, undermine trust, and cause genuine emotional distress to those involved.

Unfortunately, we have recently had an incident at MECS involving the misuse of school photographs to generate inappropriate images. This issue was dealt with swiftly and those impacted have been informed and supported. This incident has highlighted the need for continued conversations and education for our young people as we seek for them to use discernment in their technology use.

In recent days we have addressed groups of students about the risks associated with using photographs of others to generate AI-created images. While some young people may view creating a humorous, embarrassing, awkward, intimate, or romantic AI-generated image of another person as "just a joke," it is important to understand that the impact can be very serious.

We discussed the importance of consent and privacy. No one has the right to make decisions about the use of another person's image without their consent. Every individual deserves the dignity and respect of determining how their likeness is used.

At MECS, all students have signed our Personal Learning Device (PLD) Agreement. The creation, possession, or sharing of inappropriate AI-generated images involving members of our school community is considered a serious breach of this agreement and will result in significant school-based consequences.

We also reminded students that these matters can have legal implications. The creation or sharing of inappropriate AI-generated images of a person under the age of 18 may be treated as a criminal matter under Australian law, even where the image itself is entirely fabricated and the person generating the image is underage.

As a school, we have mandatory obligations to report such incidents to the appropriate authorities, including police and the eSafety Commissioner, when required.

However, our message to students was not primarily about legal consequences.

At MECS, we seek to build a community where people pursue truth, show integrity, and treat one another with dignity and respect. We believe that every person is made in the image of God and therefore deserves to be treated with care and honour.

Technology will continue to grow more powerful. Our hope is that our students' wisdom, responsibility, and character will grow with it. We are looking to implement further education around this in the coming weeks and months to ensure our students have the understanding they need to develop such wisdom.

We ask that you partner with us by discussing the responsible use of AI and digital technologies at home. These conversations play an important role in helping young people make wise choices and understand the impact their actions can have on others.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we work together to help our students navigate an increasingly complex digital world.

Kind regards,

Emma Allison 

Head of Secondary