“Fake or Real? Know the Deal” Essex Police’s AI Safety Campaign

StayWise is supporting Essex Police’s online safety initiative, “Fake or Real? Know the Deal – Protect Your Family in the Age of Deepfakes”.

Developed by Essex Police in collaboration with their partners at BT Group and EE, “Fake or Real? Know the Deal” has been created to help families, educators and young people understand the growing risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI) generated content, including deepfakes, and provides practical advice on how to stay safe online.

The initiative offers clear, accessible guidance about how AI can be used responsibly and how harmful or misleading AI-generated material can affect individuals — particularly children and young people.

Mark Thomas, NFCC Lead Officer for StayWise said, “Our colleagues in policing in Essex and across the country need us to have conversations about digital safety so that we can equip ourselves, and especially our young people, with the tools we need to recognise, question and act on suspicious online content.

The “Fake or Real? Know the Deal” campaign that Essex Police has developed directly addresses concerns that parents, carers and educators have raised by providing practical, conversation-led resources that can be used in classrooms and at home.

At StayWise, we know the digital world is evolving at pace, and schools and families have been asking for clear, trusted guidance around AI and deepfakes, and how to have conversations in an age appropriate way. We are really pleased to highlight and share this campaign because it gives teachers and parents practical tools to start informed conversations and help children navigate online content safely and confidently.”

The campaign includes

• Educational resources explaining what AI-generated content is, how it’s created and the potential risks for young people
• Interactive content including online quiz and videos
• Practical advice for parents, teachers and carers on how to talk about deepfakes and digital safety with children and young people
• Guidance on reporting and support available, including steps to take if someone encounters harmful AI-generated content or believes their imagery has been misused.

StayWise encourages educators and families to explore the campaign materials and share them widely. By amplifying this messaging, StayWise aims to strengthen digital literacy and resilience at a time when AI tools are becoming increasingly accessible and can be harmful when not used responsibly.