A Parent’s Guide to Sharing Pictures

Think before you share

Using social media, videos, web cam, live streaming and texting, young people are sharing more and more images of themselves, from an early age.

Sending an image means it can be shared again by others.

Did you know there are rules for sharing images?

You need consent to take and share images/videos of others.
People also need your consent to take and share your image.

What is sexting?

Sexting is sending an indecent image. It can lead to online bullying, grooming or emotional stress.

It is a criminal offence

If your child is over 10 and has or sends an indecent image of someone under the age of 18, it is a criminal offence.

The police can get involved.
Your child could receive a criminal record and be placed on the Sex Offenders Register.

This could harm their future.

What you can do to help keep your child safe online

Discuss regularly with your child what they like to take pictures or videos of? Who do they share them with?
Regularly remind them to think before they share. Any image they send of themselves can also be shared again by others.
If you see an indecent image you should report it. The quicker an image is reported, the easier it is for Internet platforms and the police to take the image offline and stop it being shared. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook and Google can remove images and prevent them spreading further.
Always let your child know that they should always say if they see or hear anything online that makes them feel scared or uncomfortable and to never arrange to meet someone who they have met online.
Let them know that they do not have to feel as though they have done something wrong, nobody is going to get cross and it is not their fault.
If you are concerned with anything you or your child has seen or asked to do, please call Childline or tell your child’s school.

Always encourage your child to:

Tell a parent or trusted adult, like a teacher.

Tell an older brother or sister.

Tell Childline.

They will know how to help.

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The friendly format will encourage your child, from an early age, to be open about what they do and see online without fearing they have done something wrong.

Suitable for:

Children 6-14 years.
All parents to read to their young children.

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