Educators across the US and UK are facing a surge of AI-generated sexualized images and videos created by students. These incidents are causing distress, investigations, and changes in school policies. Platforms like TikTok and Snapchat are under scrutiny for their response.
For Luis DeSantiago, a substitute teacher in Los Banos, California, the ordeal began with a few unexpected text messages. On March 12, while working at a local coffee shop, DeSantiago learned from a coworker that an AI-generated photo resembling him was circulating on social media. The image, which appeared to be based on an old mirror selfie, had been manipulated to show him in lingerie and a suggestive pose. The shock set off a months-long investigation spanning two schools, involving students, administrators, and law enforcement.
DeSantiago quickly identified a student from the local middle school as one of the accounts sharing the image on TikTok. He reported the incident to the assistant principal, who promised action. That evening, DeSantiago discovered another TikTok account impersonating him, using a slightly misspelled version of his name and the same manipulated photo. Over the following weeks, he communicated with school officials, parents, and police, expressing concern that students might be sharing similar images privately. One student admitted to creating the image and received in-school suspension, but the image continued to spread, including on Snapchat. DeSantiago began receiving crude comments on his own TikTok account and decided to stop accepting assignments at the middle school until the issue was resolved. Even after moving to the local high school, the harassment followed-students AirDropped the same AI-generated image during class. Despite assurances of an investigation, DeSantiago no longer feels safe working in the district.
Escalating Harassment
Other educators have reported similar experiences. A middle school teacher in her twenties, who requested anonymity, described to WIRED how students used AI tools to create fake sexual images and videos of teachers, sharing them in group chats and on TikTok. In one case, a student created a deepfake video impersonating her, with AI-generated facial movements and voice, depicting her discussing sexual acts. Despite reporting the account, the harassment escalated, with the same student targeting her and even school administrators. The student was eventually removed from her class and later left the district, but the teacher remains concerned about future incidents.
In the UK, Alice, a college counselor, learned that manipulated videos of her were circulating among students. One video, based on a real classroom interaction, was altered to show her undressing and dancing. The student suspected of creating the video denied involvement and soon dropped out. The college allowed Alice to take time off and began educating students about the dangers of deepfakes, but she returned to a noticeably changed classroom atmosphere, feeling more cautious and vigilant in her interactions.
Legal and Platform Responses
Legal experts note that creating and sharing nonconsensual sexual images of teachers constitutes sexual harassment and may violate federal laws such as the Take It Down Act, which criminalizes the publication of intimate images, including AI-generated ones, without consent. However, there is no standardized protocol for how schools must respond, and administrators are not required to disclose disciplinary actions to affected teachers. Platforms like Snapchat and TikTok have policies against harassment and manipulated sexual content, but enforcement remains inconsistent. Snap spokesperson Monique Bellamy stated that the company has established reporting processes and is developing new safety features, while TikTok did not comment before publication.
Arizona sixth-grade teacher Luke Red also faced AI-generated harassment when students posted a fake image of him and another teacher kissing on TikTok. He reported the accounts for age violations, but they remained active. The school identified the student responsible, who received a three-day suspension. Red expressed concern about the normalization of AI misuse among students, noting that many do not grasp the real-world consequences of their actions online.
Changing School Environments
These incidents have led educators to reconsider their relationships with students and their own safety at work. Some have become more guarded, while others have stepped back from teaching roles. The proliferation of AI tools has made it easier for students to create convincing deepfakes, raising urgent questions about digital literacy, school policy, and platform accountability. As cases multiply, schools and tech companies face mounting pressure to adapt their policies and protections to address the evolving risks posed by AI-generated content.
