Sexting

• Hairdressing
• Higher Education (non-degree)

What do you think sexting is?

THE DEFINITION OF SEXTING

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 decide to send a nude image of themselves.

Is this legal?

What the law says:

Sexting that occurs consensually between two adults is not considered to be a sexual offence and neither of the parties concerned are breaking any laws. 

However, if a person is sent sexually explicit material and they are not wanted, the sender could potentially be subject to harassment charges.

What does consensual mean?

Recent research

One in five teenagers who have sent nude or explicit 'sexts' say they were coerced or blackmailed into it; this is not consensual.

Researchers surveyed 6,045 young people about sexting and relationships; they found the pressure to send intimate images increases as children get older.

Recent research

Significant numbers of teens had their images shared further without consent.

 

Furthermore, 14 per cent of those polled felt pressured to send further images.

However, nearly 4-in-10 of those young people who sent sexts say they did so voluntarily. 

Ally's Story

 You are about to watch a very short video about a young lady who sent a nude photo.

Whilst the video is about a young American lady, this can happen anywhere.

 

Ally's story

Whilst you are watching the video, think about the following questions:

Why do you think Ally sent the picture?

Do you think she realised what could happen?

Ally's story

Think about the following questions:

Why do you think Ally sent the picture?

Do you think she realised what could happen?

This girl's story

This next short video is based upon a true situation which occurred in a UK school; whilst the students involved are younger than you, it is a situation which could occur at any age.

This girl's story

Whilst you are watching the video, think about the following questions:

Do you think this situation is the same as one outlined in the first video?

Are the consequences the same?

This girl's story

Think about the following questions:

Do you think this situation is the same as one outlined in the first video?

Are the consequences the same?

What are the risks if you sext?

The potential risks of ‘Sexts’

• Bullying / harassment
  
• Lack of control of images
  
• Your ‘digital footprint’ images are public and permanent
  
• Future career / job issues
  
• Where the images might end up…
  
• The legal implications – the Police may get involved 

THINK before you press SEND

• Once you press send what happens from that point on is completely out of your control.
  
• Consider consequences – friends, college, home, paedophiles and future employers.
  
• It is a criminal offence to possess an indecent image of a minor (-18) even if the person who has the picture is also a minor.
  
• Once the image has gone it cannot be retrieved
  

Want to know more?

Sexting & the law

If you have any concerns relating to the topic covered in this tutorial you can seek support via Student Services.

If your concerns represent a Safeguarding issue, you can contact a Safeguarding Officer on 01206 7122828

This number can be found on the back of your student ID card.