Sexting is when someone sends or receives a sexually explicit text, image or video. This includes sending ‘nude pics’, ‘rude pics’ or ‘nude selfies’. Pressuring someone into sending a nude pic can happen in any relationship and to anyone, whatever their age, gender or sexual preference.
It’s easy to think that everybody is sending these nude selfies – they’re not! Putting pressure on someone to send a nude pic, or sharing someone’s picture without their permission, even if it’s a friend and they say it’s just banter is wrong and even illegal.
It can be really stressful when you don’t want to send a nude pic but you don’t want to be bullied for not sending one either. It’s important to know that lots of people have been in this situation before and help and support is available. Childline offers some great tips, like giving you killer comebacks using its ZIPIT app when someone is pressuring you for a pic. You can also contact them to get support from an expert.
If someone is threatening to send your nude picture to others then they are committing a serious crime and the best thing to do is get help.
Don’t give in to threats. Walk away and tell an adult you trust. If you think you are in immediate danger call 999. If your pictures are being used against you then you can report it to CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre) they help young people who are being targeted online or suffering sexual abuse.
It can be upsetting to find out someone has done this but there are things you can do. Tell someone you trust as soon as possible, such as a parent, guardian or teacher so they can take action and try to stop the image being shared further. It may be embarrassing but remember you are not the first person this has happened to and your school will have ways of dealing with this. Childline and Thinkuknow offer lots of practical advice and support, such as how to request for images to be removed from some sites.
Remember that people you are in contact with online may not be who they say they are or even be the same age as you. If someone you’ve met online is putting pressure on you to send sexual images of yourself or do sexual things on webcam, you can report it to CEOP who can help stop this. Visit Childline and CEOP for more advice about sexting and online safety and if you are immediate danger, call 999.
If you’re lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, questioning or intersex sometimes it might seem easier to meet other LGBTQi people online. This is especially the case if you’re not out, and it can be hard when other people you know are starting relationships but you haven’t. But sending nude pics to somebody you don’t know can be dangerous. There might be an LGBTQi group in your local area where you could meet other young LGBTQi people in confidence, supported by a professional adult. Get advice here.
If your friend is worried about sexting and saying things to you like ‘I didn’t really want to send it but…’. They might need help.
Talk to them and let them know where they can get help.
Yes, but if somebody doesn’t want to send a nude pic, it’s really important that you accept that and don’t try to change their mind. Pressuring somebody into sending a nude pic is wrong and there can be serious consequences.
And don’t forget that if someone is under 18 it’s illegal for them to send pics of themselves and for you to possess them.
It’s wrong to pressure anyone to do something they don’t want to do. Some people see having nude pics on their phone as a status symbol, but they may have pressured others to send them the photos. If your mates are pressuring you to do this, it is wrong and it is abusive behaviour. Also, if someone is under 18 it’s illegal for them to send nude or sexually explicit pics of themselves and for you to possess or share them.
Call our Advice & Support Line on 01962 868 688 or 01962 864 433
Anonymous SMS Text helpline service: 07860 027 793
Available 24 hours
Testimonials
"I’ve been struggling with my trauma for over 6 years and Amanda has been so supportive and comforting in how she approached my recovery. She’s taught me how to rediscover myself and work on how to change the way I acknowledge what happened to me and how I am able to change the way it is affecting me in everyday life. I’ve put her advice into action and I’m overwhelmed with the results. Amanda is a true credit to RASAC and I’m eternally grateful for her help."
"Counselling at RASAC has helped me to feel more confident in myself and that I am a worthy person in this world."
"The counselling was exactly what I needed. I found the whole experience very eye opening and can now walk away with a whole new level of confidence and happiness."
"I have gained a new understanding of what happened to me. I am feeling better and my thinking is more positive."
"I am now in control of my thoughts and my life. I have gained self-confidence in so many ways and I am no longer haunted by the past."
"I have been given the tools to cope with everyday life. Without counselling I would have continued to deny my situation and feelings which was having extreme detrimental effect on myself, family and friends… RASAC has saved me from self destruction without the support I would have crumbled – a true life saver."
"My RASAC counselling has completely changed my life… I am a better mother, a more involved member of the community and I am able to keep myself safe."
"I was counselled for almost a year. I had a wonderful counsellor who helped me through a very difficult and unpleasant time in my life. It has been a process of healing by revisiting past places which at one time felt unimaginable. The journey has been raw and unnerving but slowly I came to see how I was repairing my damaged self. I finally accepted ownership of what had happened to me and was able to let go of my guilt and shame. My counsellor understood my outlook on life and created a connection with me that was very special. I eventually looked forward to my session as a weekly debrief rather than a purge. I am as happy and confident as I have ever been and I tell people about what I have learnt to help turn their negativity into positivity. Fear can be a very powerful emotion and prevent us from moving on in our lives but once it is confronted the clouds separate and you can focus on that hint of sunshine."
"Thank-you for the support, for the first time since talking about the sexual abuse to someone it is really helping me."
"Thank you so much for all your time and support while I was working through all of the stuff that happened - I really couldn't have done it without your help and input." Male client - June 2021
