Colorado students shared explicit AI images of classmates, Safe2Tell records show

Colorado students have used AI to create and share explicit images of classmates in at least two incidents described in school-safety records this year. The Denver Gazette’s October 21 reporting also revealed a measurement gap: Safe2Tell, the state’s anonymous reporting program, says it has received more reports involving AI misuse but cannot estimate the scale.

Synthetic images, identifiable classmates

The cases involved AI-generated depictions of students’ peers. Safe2Tell’s monthly reports describe how schools responded but do not identify the schools or districts, because the program removes identifying details from its real-world examples.

• January 2026 report: A student posted inappropriate AI-generated images of peers online. The school investigated, told the student to remove the images, notified parents and imposed discipline.
• August 2026 report: A student created an explicit AI-generated image of a peer and shared it with classmates. A parent was contacted, school administrators and a school resource officer spoke with the student, and the school took disciplinary action.

AI misuse sits inside broader categories

Safe2Tell operates around the clock under the Colorado Attorney General’s Office. Students, parents and community members can anonymously report concerns including bullying, safety threats and other troubling school behavior.

Discipline, safeguards and consent

Safe2Tell said neither Colorado case resulted in legal action. Colorado’s Senate Bill 288 criminalizes creating and sharing sexually explicit AI-generated or computer-edited images and videos of real people, with provisions concerning minors.

Denver Public Schools spokesperson Scott Pribble told the Gazette his district has had no incidents involving explicit AI-generated images. DPS monitors its networks for threats and allows AI only through approved tools and devices, he said. The tools block adult content and flag inappropriate use.

If such a case occurred, Pribble said the district would use its discipline rules, involve law enforcement when applicable and provide the targeted student with support from the school mental health team.

A fall 2025 survey of 1,314 U.S. teens ages 13–17 found that 44% had seen AI-generated sexual material. Nearly one-quarter of them said it showed themselves or someone they knew. The survey was conducted by Common Sense Media and the Youth AI Safety Institute.

Supreet Mann, Common Sense Media’s research director and the study’s lead, urged families to discuss consent, healthy relationships, boundaries and the seriousness of making or sharing such images. Her recommendation was repeated, smaller conversations—not a single major talk.