e-Safety Awareness
Information about nude image sharing for parents and carers
14th September 2022
Dear Parent/Carer
Today, in assembly, we discussed the topic of sending nude images, also referred to as sexting. We would encourage you to discuss this with your child and have provided some information below. You can also look at our website for further e-safety advice and help.
What is nude image sharing?
‘Nude image sharing’ is a term used to describe naked or semi-naked photographs or videos taken on an electronic device and shared online. Young people often refer to nude images as either ‘nudes’ or simply ‘pics’.
There are situations where nude images of others are shared without their consent. Sometimes young people share nude images of other people because they are shocked by it, or because it seems like everyone is sharing it. They share it with more people without stopping to think of the harm it will cause. In other cases, images are shared in large group chats, either as a joke or to cause the person harm.
How do I talk to my child about this?
Sending nudes is a way for young people to explore their sexuality and relationships. Talking to your child about relationships, sex and nude images is the best thing that you can do to help keep them safe. Key messages about nude images to share with your child Your child will explore these key messages during their Send me a pic? sessions. Try to reinforce these messages with your child.
· Young people often think once they have sent an image, they are powerless to prevent anything bad from happening. If your child is worried about an image they have shared, there are things they can do about the situation (see advice in the box below).
· It is abusive to pressure someone into sharing an image if they do not want to. If someone says no to sending one this decision should be respected.
· If someone is pressuring or manipulating a young person to share a nude image, they should speak to someone they know and trust, or they can call Childline on 0800 1111.
· Sharing nude images without someone’s consent is wrong and it is ok to tell someone. Tell your child about reporting to CEOP (www.ceop.police.uk) if images are being shared.
· Sharing nude images of someone else is not ‘just a joke’. Non-consensual image sharing can have a devastating impact on the person in the image.
My child has shared a nude – where can I get help?
If your child has shared a nude image and is worried, there are several steps that can be taken to help them. Please let the Academy know so we can support you and your child.
1. Ask them to delete it. Your child may have shared a nude image of themselves with a friend or a partner. Often, the person an image has been sent to will not want to share it any further. Advise your child to have an honest conversation with them and ask them to delete it.
2. Report the image. Social networks do not allow naked images of those under 18. If the image has been posted online, a report can be made on most popular sites and the image should be taken down. If the site does not have any way to report the image, you can report it to IWF (Internet Watch Foundation). They should be able to assist with getting it removed from the internet.
3. Report to CEOP. If your child shared a picture or video because they were threatened, pressured, or forced to, report to CEOP. CEOP can help protect your child. It is never too late to get help.
Useful Links
Further information and guidance for parents and carers is available on the Thinkuknow website.
CEOP “Internet Police” www.ceop.police.uk/Safety-Centre
Child Line 0800 1111 www.childline.org.uk
Yours sincerely
Mrs A Callaghan
Vice Principal/Designated Safeguarding Officer.