Selfies and Sexting
Introduction
As selfies have become more popular as has the trend for young people sharing revealing photos or videos of themselves online. Often these pictures are sent to a boyfriend or girlfriend but they can involve some level of persuasion or pressure.
The consequences of sharing sexual pictures or ‘sexting’ can be severe but there are things you can do to protect yourself – such as
- learn about the apps, services, games and websites – including how to use them safely;
- remember you can’t be sure who people online really are. It’s not safe to share personal pictures or info with anyone you have only met online; and
- talk to mum, dad or another trusted adult as soon as possible to get support if something goes wrong – there are things that can be done!
Making a Report and Getting Help
If you have shared an explicit photo of yourself on-line and are now worried:
- Stay calm and talk to a trusted adult as soon as possible;
- If you don’t think there is anyone you can turn to – call Childline on 0800 1111;
- Use the Childline Report Remove process to get the images deleted
- Don’t be embarrassed – mistakes happen – check out the leaflet “… so you got naked online” ;
- Together, make a plan – CEOP’s Nude Selfies films give lots of information about how to get photos taken down online, and where to get help if you need it with concerns around bullying or exploitation – you can make a report here;
- Also report to the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) to get help in getting an image taken down and to make sure any criminal activity is stopped.
- Most social media have a button you can click to report abuse.
- Find out more on the CEOP Education website.