November 2024

In this month's newsletter:

• Get the scoop on how AI is being misused—and how to protect YOUR kids
• Meet Dayna, our amazing CASA volunteer!
• Be a holiday hero
• Get more involved
• And more!

The Dangers of AI: How AI Child Sexual Abuse Material Affects Children

When it comes to artificial intelligence, did you know that parents and caregivers have more to worry about than the consequences of ChatGPT being used to plagiarize schoolwork? Now we need to be aware of AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM)—from text content to images/videos—and how it can affect children.

AI can be used inappropriately in a variety of ways, including abusive behaviors like:

• Entering text prompts to get AI to pretend it's a child, then engaging in sexually explicit chat
• Entering text prompts to generate guides/tutorials/suggestions on how to sexually abuse children
• Entering text prompts to generate CSAM imagery or alter files to make them sexually explicit
• Generating sexually explicit images from innocuous source images found online

The use of AI in these ways presents new challenges for our community, particularly when it comes to protecting kids. It is crucial for caregivers and youth to be aware of this threat and the potential implications:

• The increase in the creation of AI-generated CSAM undermines efforts to prevent abuse and prosecute offenders by making it harder to distinguish between real images of children and AI-generated images. 
• AI-generated CSAM that mimics or portrays children blurs the line between virtual exploitation and real-world harm, raising concerns about how it could potentially desensitize viewers and normalize inappropriate behavior toward minors.
• Of those convicted for offenses related to child sexual abuse material, 98% either have a prior record of sexually abusing minors or disclosed such actions while undergoing treatment.

Wisconsin enacted Wis. Stats. 948.125 "Possession of virtual child pornography" in 2023. This law covers visual representations that "appear to depict an actual child but may or may not depict an actual child." It is a Class D felony for adults to possess such material, and a Class I felony when possessed by a person under age 18. Most states are grappling with how to draw a line between children navigating technology and/or being exploited on the internet while addressing the explosion of CSAM online being shared and abused by adults.

"We cannot arrest our way out of this problem."

—Simon Bailey, Director of Strategic Engagement, Child Rescue Coalition

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children reports on state-by-state efforts to protect children. Through her work on the Attorney General’s Child in Need Task Force, our Executive Director Susan Conwell is directly involved with looking at how Wisconsin might effectively protect children moving forward.

1. Discuss the dangers of the internet openly. Talk with your kids about the risks of the images they post online being altered.
2. Reconsider posting images of your children on social media.
3. Stay on top of the latest technology, games, and apps and how they are being used by your children.
4. Make clear to teenagers that “nudify” apps and the images they create are considered to be child sexual abuse material. Sharing them can have consequences at school and in the community. Changing or adding body parts is not the same as using a Snapchat animal lens to add cat whiskers or bunny ears!
5. Talk to children about the dangers of sextortion, and know what to do in the event of an incident.
6. Spread the word to other parents and caregivers!

Information shared courtesy of Canopy Center

CASA Program Highlights

Dayna proves that people from all different professions can become CASA volunteers! She is a dental hygienist who learned about Kids Matter CASA from a coworker, and now she volunteers her time helping youth in our community thrive.

Fun fact: Outside of being a CASA volunteer, Dayna loves playing Mario Kart—and she's really good at it! 

Our kids are so grateful that you are giving them a voice and standing up for their best interests in court, Dayna, and so are we. Thank you for your commitment to kids in our community.

Be a Holiday Hero

Community Partner Shoutouts

Three cheers for Starbucks District 862! They collected school supplies for foster children in Milwaukee to get them ready for the new school year. Thank you to everyone in the Oak Creek, Hales Corners, Franklin, Greenfield, Greendale, Muskego, and Mukwonago communities!

Thank you so much to Alpha Xi Delta for continuing to support Kids Matter! These amazing Marquette University students created holiday ornaments and other festive cheer to kick off our holiday season.

AmeriCorps Opportunity

Are you a recent grad who wants to explore the social work field? Are you a retiree looking to give back to the community—or to help your child or grandchild with their education? Check out our open AmeriCorps position!

Stay Updated

The Kids Matter team was excited to join healthcare providers at the 2024 #KidHealthSummit last month to learn how we can improve care for children in Wisconsin.

Wondering where we'll be in the future? Check out our "Events" page for upcoming in-person and virtual opportunities.

Workplace Giving

Did you know you can write Kids Matter Inc. in as a recipient for many workplace giving campaigns? It's easy! Just use the following information:

Kids Matter Inc.

EIN: 39-1988488



Learn more about other options for workplace giving, like the Combined Federal Campaign.

Get Connected

Are you raising someone else's child and looking for even more support? Sign up to receive a monthly newsletter that is tailored just for you, or join our Wisconsin Grandfamilies Matter group on Facebook.

Be sure to follow us on social media for regular updates and helpful information!