Sexting is when people share a sexual message and/or a naked or semi-naked image, video or text message with another person. It’s also known as nude image sharing.
Children and young people may consent to sending a nude image of themselves. They can also be forced or coerced into sharing images by their peers or adults online.
If a child or young person originally shares the image consensually, they have no control over how other people might use it.
If the image is shared around peer groups it may lead to bullying and isolation.
Perpetrators of abuse may circulate a nude image more widely and use this to blackmail a child and/or groom them for further sexual abuse.
Parents should be aware of the telling signs that their teen may be sexting.
Signs of sexting include:
- Being secretive or anxious about their phones
- Deleting histories
- Overreacting when you pick up their phone
- Crying, isolation and a change in grades or behavior which may be the result of public ridicule from exposure to sexting