Sharing Nudes

Sexting – “Youth Produced Sexual Imagery” - Advice

There is no single definition of ‘sexting’. Many professionals consider sexting to be ‘sending or posting sexually suggestive images, including nude or semi-nude photographs, via mobiles or over the Internet.’ 

It is an offence to possess, distribute, show and make indecent images of someone under 18.  Indecency is not defined but for most purposes, if imagery contains a naked young person, a topless girl, and/or displays genitals or sex acts, including masturbation, then it will be considered indecent. Indecent images may also include overtly sexual images of young people in their underwear.

The law was devised to protect children from adults and not to criminalise children. However, children who take or share sexual images of themselves or others are breaking the law. Creating and sharing imagery can be very risky but can be the result of natural curiosity and exploration. Young people often need educating, support and safeguarding rather than criminalisation.

The DfE guidance “Sharing nudes and semi-nudes: advice for education settings working with children and young people” (March 2024) will be used to guide the school’s response on a case by case basis and as a result School may respond to incidents without referring to the police.