People are creating explicit deepfakes of children, a leading charity has warned.
NSPCC staff told of worried kids reaching out to their support service Childline after discovering altered images with their faces edited onto strangers' bodies.
The organisation's Glasgow office supported an estimated 8,200 Scottish kids last year on a wide range is issues. They held a counselling session almost every 30 minutes.
Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the telephone line is part of their work to eliminate child abuse in the UK.
A team manager at the East End office explained that reasons for the calls vary and trends change quickly.
But recently, there has been a spike in calls about online images.
"But that can be removed. It's a bit tricky because the technology might not recognise it immediately, but it's something that the National Crime Agency and the Internet Watch Foundation are becoming increasingly aware of as well.
"Sometimes kids keep it to themselves because they're ashamed of what's happening but they can turn to us. We have access to credible resources."
Parents can also find this information and educate themselves on the issue to keep their families safe.
Other reasons for kids calling the helpline include mental health challenges and sexual exploitation.
The 32-year-old added: "The risk to children is getting far greater and far more vast in terms of what the threats are to them.
"We have to have a good knowledge base of what's going on.
"I see trends changing all the time. It can vary per shift.
"But quite often the main one is suicide risk, to be honest.
"There's been a real spike in emotional abuse, eating disorders and self-harm.
"Sexual exploitation and online bullying are also huge."
Staff and volunteers will answer the call and talk to the youngster about any issue they may face - ranging from physical abuse to friendship problems -, then discuss ways to offer support.
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Ian Barclay, 87, has been at the charity for 25 years and said the experience has changed him.
He added: "I'm definitely much more aware of what's going on.
"I gained awareness of what's going on in parts of the world that I don't inhabit because my kids are grown up.
"You get kids from all sorts of backgrounds and family situations that you couldn't imagine.
"Sometimes it can be upsetting.
"One time, I couldn't finish a shift after I've taken a call of bereavement.
"It just got to me and I just couldn't finish it. Those calls are really tough."
Despite hardships, the organisation has 150 wonderful volunteers in Scotland who man the helpline and assist with other tasks.
They welcome anyone who is keen to join and support youngsters.
If you would like to contribute to the charity's work, which has been ongoing for 38 years, please consider donating to the Glasgow Times' fundraiser.
Our journalists are taking on the Great Scottish Run on October 6, to raise money for the organisation.
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