Course Summary
In today’s digital landscape, the risks to vulnerable individuals have moved beyond traditional online grooming. This accredited Level 3 course provides a practical, down-to-earth exploration of how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being weaponised by exploiters. We move away from the "sci-fi" tropes and focus on the real-world impact: how automated targeting and generative AI tools are used to build false trust and manipulate targets at scale.
Participants will gain a clear understanding of the difference between human-led and AI-augmented grooming. We focus heavily on practical safeguarding, ensuring you leave with the skills to identify early warning signs on social media and gaming platforms. You will also learn how to integrate AI-specific risks into your existing organisational policies and reporting pathways, ensuring your team stays ahead of the curve.
- Defining AI and its role in modern online interactions.
- Identifying deepfakes, chatbots, and automated targeting tactics.
- Reviewing UK legislation and the Online Safety Act in the context of AI.
- Building critical thinking and digital literacy in service users.
- Practical scenarios: How to respond and report suspected AI abuse.
Why AI Safeguarding Training is Vital for Social Care and Education
As AI tools become more accessible, the barrier for predators to create convincing fake personas has dropped. General safeguarding training often misses these technical nuances. By specialising in AI-enabled grooming, social care professionals can better anticipate emerging risks, protect those who are most at risk of "digital deception," and ensure that organisational safety frameworks are fit for 2026 and beyond.
Course Learning Outcomes
Review the learning objectives below. Expand each aim to view the detailed criteria this course covers.
- 1.1Define what AI is and explain its role in online interactions
- 1.2Identify current trends in AI-enabled abuse (e.g., deepfakes, chatbots, automated targeting)
- 1.3Evaluate the difference between human grooming and non-human (AI-driven) grooming attempts
- 1.4Summarise UK legislation and safeguarding guidance relevant to AI misuse
- 2.1Assess risks posed by generative AI tools in relation to children and vulnerable groups
- 2.2Recognise how AI can be misused for grooming, manipulation, or abuse
- 2.3Distinguish between legitimate AI use (including education and productivity) and harmful misuse (including exploitation and deception)
- 2.4Anticipate emerging risks as AI technologies evolve rapidly
- 2.5Analyse approaches to critical thinking about ethical AI use in education and beyond
- 2.6Describe ways to equip people with strategies to protect themselves online
- 3.1Identify and explain early warning signs of AI-enabled grooming in online platforms
- 3.2Describe ways to build confidence in challenging suspicious AI interactions
- 4.1Practice digital literacy skills to critically evaluate online interactions and content
- 4.2Demonstrate how to respond to suspected AI-enabled grooming attempts
- 4.3Use reporting pathways effectively when encountering suspicious AI activity
- 4.4Apply safeguarding frameworks to scenarios involving AI-driven abuse
- 4.5Confirm organisational responsibilities in preventing AI-enabled abuse
- 4.6Identify details of AI risks which should be incorporated into existing safeguarding and online safety policies
- 4.7Promote a culture of vigilance and responsible AI use within the organisation
Who is this course for?
This AI training course is designed for social care practitioners, safeguarding leads, and support workers who work directly with children or vulnerable adults and want to understand the modern digital risks posed by evolving AI technologies.
Duration
1 day course - we can be flexible on start and finish times to suit your needs such as school run friendly times.
Availability
This Artificial Intelligence (AI) and AI-Enabled Grooming training course is offered in two delivery formats:
- Remote Online: Led by a live tutor via Zoom or Microsoft Teams, allowing participants to join remotely. (Also known as virtual classroom training)
- Face-to-Face: Delivered in person at your location or a venue you arrange. (Also referred to as on-site training)
View a comparison of Remote and in-person face to face training .
Complete our quick enquiry form for a price and available dates.
Certification
Each learner completing this course will receive a digital (PDF) certificate of learning.
Accreditation
The course contents are accredited by the Open College Network (OCN) Credit4Learning as a Level 3 course.
Other related courses you might be interested in
Choose the learning environment that works best for you: our expert-led training is offered in two convenient formats - remote tutor led online or in person face to face.
Flexible start and finish times to suit you. Contact us for available dates.
The course contents are accredited by the Open College Network (OCN) Credit4Learning as a Level 3 course.
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