ITISILLEGALTOTAKE, MAKEORSHAREAN INDECENTIMAGEOR VIDEOOFACHILDUNDER THEAGEOF18#EVENIF ITISCONSENSUAL Did you know?
Sexting occurs predominantly on, but is not exclusive to these apps...
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Sexting involves sendingandreceivingexplicitmessages, imagesor videos of a sexual nature.This content isusuallyuploadedonamobiledevice, whichcan thenbeuploadedontosocial networkingsites andshared further.They canbe sent toor froma friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, or someoneyour childhasmet online. Sexting isoftendescribedas thenew !irting for children–but it is illegal for anyoneunder theageof 18,with police forces inEnglandandWales recording6,238underage "sexting" o"ences in2016-17, a rateof 17aday.
What parents need to know about SEXTING
BULLYING,COERCION& BLACKMAIL
REGRETTINGTHEIR ACTIONS Although some children are willingly exchanging images, many may regret sharing the messages, images and videos after they have sent or uploaded them. Once it's out there, there's no going back, and your child may feel ashamed, vulnerable, worried or anxious about imagery resurfacing later, especially if a relationship or friendship has broken down. ‘Sexting’ was the most viewed information and advice topic on the Childline website in 2017, showing the need for people to get help.
BREAKINGTHELAW Sexting is illegal if you share, make, take or distribute an indecent image or video of a child under the age of 18. It is an o"ence under the Protection of Children Act (1978), the Criminal Justice Act (1988), and under Section 67 of the Serious Crime Act (2015). Sexting or ‘youth produced sexual imagery’ between children is still illegal, even if they are in a relationship and any images are shared consensually. CHILDRENTHINKIT’SHARMLESS Many young people see sexting as ‘banter’ or a joke, an easy way to show someone they like and trust them, or just a cool thing to do. But they may not realise the consequences of sharing personal information and how it can be potentially harmful to them in the future.
Yourchildmayfeelpressuredintosexting,sotheydon’tcomeacross asboring,orthinkit’sawaytoshowsomeonetheycareforthem.They mayfeelunderpressuretogiveintorepeatedrequestsorfeelobliged tosharesexualmessagesandimagery.Sextingcanalsoexpose youngadultstotheriskofbeingexploitedbypaedophilesorsexual predators,whothenuseimagestoextortadditionalphotos,sexual favours,andsometimesmoneyfromvictims. SHARING Onceaphotoor video isout there, there'snowayof knowinghow manypeoplehave saved it, tagged it or shared it. Children like to showo"to theirpeers andsuddenly, an imagehasgonebeyond its intended recipient, toclassmates, friends, andevenstrangers. Oncean imageor videohasbeensharedonline, there’snothing to stop it beingarchivedand repeatedly shared.
Top Tips for Parents
EXPLAINTHEREPERCUSSIONS Let your children know that once they have sent a message, they are no longer in control of it, and the messages, images and videos that they may intend to share with one individual may end up where the whole world can have access to them. Even if they completely trust someone, other people using their phone might accidentally see it. And, later in life, it may a"ect their online reputation, especially if universities, employers or future partners access the imagery. HOWTOREMOVEIMAGES If an image has already been shared, either your child or yourself should speak to the person that the image was shared with and ask them to delete it. You can also use the report button on a website where the image was posted. Speak to your child's school, as they may be able to con%scate phones if they know that they have sexual imagery stored. If you believe the child was forced into sending the message, report this to the police. You or your child can also report the content to CEOP with one of their child protection advisors (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command).
BLOCKINGAND STOPPINGSEXTING
TALKTOYOURCHILD Encourage open dialogue about appropriate information to share with others both online and o$ine, discuss the word ‘sexting’ and ensure that they know what it is and what it involves. Show that you understand that sexting can re!ect natural adolescent curiosity about nudity, bodies and exploring their sexuality, but explain why it’s important to think twice before sharing something. Show that you are approachable and understanding. DISCUSSTHELEGALITIES Children and young people may not realise that what they are doing is illegal. Ensure that your child understands
Show your child how to use the block button on their devices and favourite apps to stop people sending them unwanted messages. You can also set up parental controls with your internet service provider or on your child's phone to stop them from accessing harmful content. HASYOURCHILDRECEIVEDA SEXUALIMAGE? Firstly, reassure your child that they have done the right thing by speaking to you about the incident. Ask them if they requested the image or if they received it unwillingly. If the image has been sent to your child by an adult and you are concerned about sexual exploitation or grooming, contact CEOP immediately.
that when they are aged under 18, it is against the law for anyone to take or have a sexual photo of them – even if it’s a sel%e, and even when the activity is consensual.
SOURCES: NSPCC (2015) Review Under Pressure: What’s A!ected Children in April 2013 - March 2014. [online] nspcc.org.uk/globalassets/documents/annual-reports/childline-review-under-pressure.pdf. Last accessed on 25/07/18; theconversation.com/one-in-seven-teens-are-sexting-says-new-research-92170; learning.nspcc.org.uk/research-resources/childline-annual-review; bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41880500
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