Survey: Use of children’s images by children’s sector organisations
As online risks continue to evolve, keeping children and young people safe remains a growing challenge.
In July of this year, the National Crime Agency and the Internet Watch Foundation first issued a statement advising parents not to post pictures of their children online, due to the growing threat of AI-generated abuse imagery.
Organisations focused on children’s rights were left with significant concerns, and questions. What are the risks and how do we support families to better understand them? With images being a data-backed mechanism for celebrating successes and amplifying the voices, views and experiences of children and young people – what is the impact of now removing them from online spaces? If we do continue to use children’s images in our online marketing and communications activities, how do we ensure that they are kept safe, and appropriately informed of the risks?
Children in Scotland now aims to help the children’s sector answer these questions. Over the next few weeks, we will be running a member survey to understand into how organisations are currently using images of children, and hosting a Member Forum on 5 November 2026 dedicated to this topic. The survey closes on 9 October 2026.
Children in Scotland will use a Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment to consider our learning, and use this as a framework to inform both our own communications activities, and advise the wider sector on best practice.
This work is taking place as part of Children in Scotland’s The Digital Conversation project. Use the hashtag on social media or get in touch to find out more.
Take the survey now
This anonymous survey aims to capture quantitative data on the current use of children’s images by Scotland’s children’s sector. All members of Children in Scotland are invited to take part. The survey contains 16 multiple choice questions and will take 5-10 minutes to complete. The survey will run until 9 October 2026 and results will be shared at the Member Forum on 5 November 2026, and in our regular member communications.
Member Forum event
Should children’s sector organisations continue to use children’s images online? Answering this question will be the focus of our next Member Forum, taking place on 5 November 2026. This event welcomes any members with a focus on child safeguarding, participation, marketing and communications, or in interest in digital challenges facing children and young people. Use your member code to book or contact us to find out more.
The Digital Conversation
As digital challenges and inclusion rise to the top of the children’s sector agenda, Children in Scotland’s Head of Development & Engagement, Simon Massey, shares the charity’s plans for the year ahead and how it will bring together sector knowledge and discussion on key issues.
