Sexting

What is Sexting?

Sexting is defined as images or videos generated by children under the age of 18; of children under the age of 18 that are of a sexual nature or are indecent. It refers to sending and receiving, naked pictures or nudes, underwear shots, sexual or dirty pics, nude text messages or videos. They can be sent from a friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, someone that has been met online, over text or instant messenger.

What if i am Sexting someone?

There are many cases where the Police have prosecuted, including: In July 2014 a schoolgirl was cautioned for sending a topless selfie to her boyfriend. Sexting could leave children with criminal record.

Is Sexting illegal?

Under British law it is legal to have sex aged 16, but it is illegal and a serious criminal offence to take, hold or share 'indecent' photos of anyone aged under 18.

It is a crime to:

•take an indecent photograph or allow an indecent photograph to be taken

•make an indecent photograph (this includes downloading or opening an image that has been sent via email)

•distribute or show such an image

•possess with the intention of distributing images

•advertise

What can i do to avoid Sexting?

Zipit is a free app, that works on Android, IOS and Blackberry, and is endorsed by NSPCC.

The app helps to give young people ‘killer comebacks’ and top tips to help them stay in control of their conversations online and avoid sending sexts.

A Thin Line is an online quick that young people can take to find out whether they are asleep at the keyboard, on top of your game, or even creating drama for others.

Advice and Signposting

Think u Know

Who Can Help Me?

Know about CSE:

If you think a child is in immediate risk of harm, call 999

otherwise Contact First Response on 0800 1313 126

Call the Police on 101

Call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000