Sexting is when someone sends or receives a sexually explicit text, image or video on their mobile internet device, usually in a text message. These can include:

  • naked pictures or 'nudes'
  • 'underwear shots'
  • sexual or 'dirty pics'
  • rude text messages or videos

Anyone under the age of 18 is considered a child by the law and this sending or receiving ‘sexts’ is classes as possession of indecent images of a child. Even if a child sends a ‘sext’ to another child this is still breaking the law. As well as breaking the law sexting can be emotionally crippling to anyone who has thie image or video shared against their wishes thus it is extremely important all young people know the dangers of sexting.

For more information on sexting and what to do if it has occurred please see the websites below:

For advice and support to anyone who has suffered from issues surrounding sexting guidance can be given on the following hotlines:

  • NSPCC www.nspcc.org.uk NSPCC helps families and children with over 40 different services. If you are worried a child may be suffering from any form of abuse or would like more information about what to look out for or how to support a child you can Freephone (from landlines and most mobiles) 0808 800 5000 (24 hours)
  • Samaritans www.samaritans.org.uk Tel: 08457 90 90 90 (24 hrs 7 days a week). Samaritans volunteers listen in confidence to anyone in emotional distress, without judging or telling people what to do.
  • ChildLine www.childline.org.uk Freephone 0800 1111 (24 hours). Childline is the UK’s free helpline for children and young people. It provides confidential telephone counselling service for any child with a problem.

 

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