The internet can be fun and a great way to talk to friends, play games, watch videos and listen to music. But not everyone online is real or honest about who they say they are and not all information on the web can be trusted. Remember to stay safe!
Sexting is when someone shares intimate images or videos (or sends sexual messages) of themselves or others with another person. They can be sent using mobiles, tablets, smartphones, laptops - any device that allows you to share media and messages.
Most sexting is deliberate; the person sending the content meant to do it, usually sending it to someone they’re in a relationship with. Accidental sexting is more likely to happen if your judgement is clouded e.g. if you have had alcohol or taken drugs. Some young people are put under pressure by some else to send images.
If you are thinking of sharing images or videos you need to consider who you are sending them to and whether they can be trusted, both now and in the future. If you are in a relationship, will the other person respect you enough not to share the picture if you break up? How well do you really know them? If the person asking for images acts up when you refuse, is this someone you can trust? Once an image is sent it is then out of your control and could be shared with others or posted elsewhere online
Sexting can be seen as harmless, but creating or sharing explicit images of a child is illegal, even if the person doing it is a child. The Law is on your side and was not designed to punish young people for making mistakes whilst experimenting with their sexuality. The law is aimed firmly at those who choose to trade or profit from sexual pictures of children.
If you are feeling pressured to share images or videos or regret sending them to someone the following resources will help you:
Report Remove from Childline is here to help young people under 18 in the UK to confidentially report sexual images and videos of themselves and remove them from the internet.
You can report to CEOP when someone is asking or threatening you to send images or videos.
In 2015 the offence of revenge porn was introduced where intimate images are shared on the internet to cause distress to a specific victim. Sometimes a child or young person is groomed to send sexually explicit images by an adult who then uses them to blackmail or trap the child.
This gruesome gang of online troublemakers have arrived on the Island to help you learn how to spot and defeat dangers online.
The internet should be a fun, safe space for you to explore and learn more about the world. But some children may sometimes come across harmful or confusing things. This dastardly squad of trolls are mischievous, sneaky little creatures that will help you spot potential perils and know what to do if something goes wrong online.
There’s a whole host of tyrannical trolls for children to meet who will help them learn about some of the hurtful and harmful issues they may encounter online – such as bullying, self-image, exploitation and fake news.
If you’ve enjoyed the book Peril of the Possessed Pets , then explore the troll toons , troll books , troll files and tools and tips to learn more.
If you are affected by child abuse or neglect, it can really help to talk to someone you trust.