WHAT ARE NUDES AND SEXUAL SELFIES?

Sexual interactions between teens might happen through texts, social media and direct messages. This can include sharing naked pictures (nudes) or other sexual selfies. 

Nudes or sexual selfies are videos and pictures that might show someone semi-nude, showing their genitals (sometimes called “dick pics” or “tit pics”), or posing in their underwear. Sometimes this is called sexting.

WHY DO PEOPLE SEND NUDES AND SEXUAL SELFIES?

Young people are growing up in an online world. The internet can help them learn and understand themselves, their bodies and the world. It can help build relationships and understand more about their sexuality and develop their identity.  

Not all young people share nudes. Research with young people in the UK reported:

It is more common for vulnerable young people to send sexual images, including those in care, with eating disorders, young carers, those with speech or hearing difficulties or those with difficulties at home.

There are many reasons why children and young people might send sexual images or messages:

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF SENDING NUDES AND SEXUAL SELFIES

Young people can be affected by the internet differently, and some are at risk of being exploited online. Some young people feel pressure from their peers to go along with sexual behaviours they are not ready for. Sometimes sexual images of a young person can be shared with other people without their consent. Girls, in particular, often experience harassment, sexual bullying and abuse from strangers or peers online.

Children and young people can sometimes feel additional pressure to share sexual images, even when they’re not comfortable doing so, because:

WHAT TO DO IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG

If you have any worries, it’s best to trust your gut and get support. Our anonymous helpline (0808 1000 900) is here for anyone with concerns about sexual risks to children. If you’re not ready to speak to someone yet, you can send us a secure message or use our live chat.

If your child feels like they are being forced to send sexual pictures of themselves or someone else, it’s important to listen to their concerns and support them. Explain that it is not their fault, you are glad they have told you, and that you are there to support them.

If you think your child has been manipulated into sending a sexual image by someone online, you can make a report to CEOP.

WHAT TO DO IF A SEXUAL IMAGE OF YOUR CHILD HAS BEEN SHARED ONLINE

If your child has shared a sexual image of themselves and it has been posted online or sent to other people, they may feel distressed, anxious and frightened. It is vital to be aware of this and reassure them that you can help them.

It’s important to find out exactly what has happened, where the image has been shared online and if there has been any attempt to remove it.

REPORT REMOVE CAN HELP GET THE NUDE TAKEN DOWN

If someone is under 18 and a sexual photo or video of them has been shared online, Childline and the Internet Watch Foundation can help them get it taken down. Find out how here.  

If your child is sharing sexual selfies of themselves with strangers or adults online, they may be at risk of being groomed. To learn more about this and how to protect your child, check out our grooming page. You can report any grooming concerns to CEOP

HOW TO TALK TO YOUR CHILD ABOUT SEXUAL SELFIES

WHERE TO GET HELP

For more information on how to talk to children about sexual selfies and messages and what to do if your child has got in trouble, have a look at the below organisations.

Childline has a confidential helpline (0800 1111) for children and young people to talk through any concerns as well as online resources and information.

Internet Matters has vital information for children and parents on how to stay safe on the internet and also what to do if something upsetting or distressing happens.

Brook has free and confidential advice and support for young people on sex and relationships as well as information on wellbeing and health.

Thinkuknow has tailored information for children of different ages to help them protect themselves online and offline, including advice about sex, relationships and the internet.

Childnet has online safety guides which offer help, advice and resources for parents and carers

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