New research reveals the growing impact of AI-generated explicit content on teens and the urgent need for trusted adults to step in.
Artificial intelligence creates new challenges for parents, families, and church leaders. According to a July 2026 report from Common Sense Media’s Youth AI Safety Institute, nearly half of teens have seen AI-generated explicit sexual material, and nearly one in four have seen it depicting themselves or someone they know.
The findings are a sobering reminder that pornography is no longer limited to content people find online. AI tools can now create realistic, sexually explicit images of real people without their knowledge or consent, with potentially devastating consequences.
Consider these findings from the study of 1,314 U.S. teens ages 13–17:
- 67% of teens fear being depicted in a deepfake without their consent.
- 18% have created AI pornography or know someone who has.
- 25% have shared AI-generated pornography or know someone who has.
- 63% of those connected to creating AI pornography say it has depicted themselves or people they know.
How Can the Church Respond?
These statistics point to an important opportunity for Christian pastors and leaders. Young people need more than technology restrictions; they need trusted adults who will listen without judgment, provide biblical guidance, and help them navigate difficult questions about sexuality, relationships, dignity, and the responsible use of technology.
Parents can begin by asking their teens what they know about AI-generated images, whether they have encountered deepfakes, and how they would respond if someone created or shared an explicit image of them. Churches can support these conversations by equipping parents, educating youth leaders, and creating safe environments where young people can seek help without fear or shame.
Our calling is not simply to respond to the latest technology, but to care for the people affected by it. By equipping families and fostering honest conversations, the Church can help young people navigate this changing digital world with wisdom, compassion, and hope.
Start by exploring these free resources from Covenant Eyes.
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