Even if you are in a long-term relationship, and feel that there’s no harm in taking or sharing naked pictures of yourself with your partner (sexting), it’s important that you understand the risks involved, both legally and emotionally.
It is illegal for anyone to make or possess indecent or sexual images of someone under the age of 18. So if someone takes sexual photographs or video of you, they are breaking the law – even if they are your partner. And if you’re under 18 then sending a naked image of yourself via text or social media is technically illegal. The law doesn’t distinguish between an indecent image of you and an indecent image of someone else, so you could receive a police caution – or worse.
If someone is asking you to pose for pictures or send images or video of yourself, they may also be trying to groom you – to pretend to be your friend, when really all they want is to sexually abuse you. This is also an offence which can lead to a long prison sentence.
And if someone has sexual photographs or video of you, you have little control over how they use them, or who they send them to. Although they are breaking the law by having them on their phone or computer, or by distributing them, it can be very upsetting for you if they do decide to send them to other people.
Talk to an adult you can trust – maybe a youth worker, your support worker, a teacher or your parents – about what is happening. (You can read more about how to protect yourself on the internet in the stay safe online section of this site.)