Think Before You Send: Staying Safe Online
In today’s digital world, sharing photos and messages can feel like a normal part of life. But when it comes to sending intimate images or “nudes,” it’s important to understand the risks and make informed choices.
What is Sexting?
Sexting means sending sexual messages, photos, or videos through your phone or online. While it might seem harmless or fun, it can have serious consequences—both legally and emotionally.
Know the Law
In the UK, it’s illegal to create, share, or possess sexual images of anyone under 18—even if it’s a photo of yourself. This law exists to protect young people but breaking it can lead to criminal charges.
Consent Matters
Consent isn’t just about saying “yes” or “no.” It means everyone involved freely agrees without pressure. If someone asks for a nude and you feel uncomfortable, you have the right to say no. Real friends respect boundaries.
The Risks
- Privacy: Once an image is sent, you lose control over where it goes.
- Reputation: Photos can be shared without your consent, affecting school, work, and relationships.
- Emotional Impact: If things go wrong, it can lead to stress, anxiety, or bullying.
Stay Smart Online
- Think twice before sharing anything you wouldn’t want everyone to see.
- Use privacy settings but remember nothing online is 100% secure.
- Respect others—never pressure anyone to send images.
There are laws in place to protect people who have had their naked pictures shared without consent and to protect those under 18 years old who have been asked to send sexual images of themselves.
If you are affected by sexting or sending nudes, you can ask a trusted person for help, such as a teacher or parent/carer. You could also speak to someone at Brook, or at an organisation like CEOP or Childline.
- In some situations a school or another professional will have to report an incident to the police or social care. This does not mean that you will get in trouble. However, they only need to report the incident to the police if they are concerned about your safety or the safety of another child. Otherwise, it will be up to you if you want them to report it to the police.
- You may also decide that you want to report an incident involving nudes to the police. You can do this directly, or through your school, college, workplace or an organisation.
- Whoever you report an incident to, their priority is to keep you safe. The law is intended to protect children and young people, not to criminalise them unnecessarily.