Sexting

Taking and sending indecent images

Sexting is when a young person takes an indecent image of themselves and sends it to a friend or boy/girlfriend via their mobile phone.

Once taken and sent, the sender has no control over what then happens to the image and it could be sent to anyone i.e. an employer, friends or even a paedophile.

Know the law

Anyone who has or passes on indecent images of someone under 18 is actually breaking the law. Both having and distributing these images is an offence under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. Encouraging or inciting someone to take or send 'sexts' can also be illegal.

As well as the legal consequences, there are other issues to 'sexting' including the emotional and reputational damage this can cause. Think before you take a picture - would you be happy for your parents, teacher or local police officer to see it?

Report it

If you are concerned someone is sending your child indecent images, report it on the Think U Know website or Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) website.

Watch a video about sexting and cyberbullying

This video was produced by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP).