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Sexting

Due to the sensitive nature of the subject matter, we strongly advise teacher viewing before watching with your pupils.

In this video young people discuss sexting and its repercussions.

BBC Video Explores Sexting Due to the sensitive nature of the subject matter, we strongly advise teacher viewing before watching with your pupils.

Sexting: think before you share this video. This video explores what can happen if you send a nude photo or something else that you didn’t want your friends or family to see, and how this might affect you or your friends:

A Fixers campaign led by Hannah Aldred: Warning young people about the dangers of using social media irresponsibly, Hannah Aldred and her team want others to take care before they share. Worried that others her age could be putting themselves at risk of being cyberbullied, the 16-year-old from Edinburgh and her group are using their experiences to help keep people safer online.

Can I get into trouble with Police if I send or receive such an image/content?

If you are under 18, it is against the law to:

  • take, have, or distribute a sexual photo; this includes a selfie
  • have or pass on indecent images of someone under 18
  • encourage or incite someone to take or send ‘sexts’
  • take a photo of their own genitals whether the image is shared on or not

As well as the legal consequences, there are other issues to ‘sexting’ including emotional and reputational.

If you send an indecent image, you have NO control over what happens to that image and it could be sent to anyone or posted anywhere on the internet. Once you press send, it is no longer in your control.

What can I do if I or someone I know, is being pressured into sending Sexually explicit photos of themselves?

Inform a trusted adult of what’s happened/Ing. They will be able to guide you on what to do next and who to speak to.

If you or someone else you know is being blackmailed into sending sexual images, do not send them! You must report any threats to the Police as this is a criminal offence, called Sextortion.