Sexting
As many have you may have been aware, CEOP has recently been in the media more than usual regarding the topic of ‘sexting’. We wanted to take this opportunity to keep you all up to speed with current affairs and particularly the issues CEOP is facing.
What does ‘sexting’ mean?
Sexting is when a young person takes an indecent image of them self and sends this to their friends or boy / girlfriends via mobile phones. The problem is that once taken and sent, the sender has lost control of these images and these images could end up anywhere. They could be seen by your child’s future employers, their friends or even by paedophiles. By having in their possession, or distributing, indecent images of a person under 18 on to someone else – young people are not even aware that they could be breaking the law as these are offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
Why is this happening?
As mobile phones with cameras and internet access are readily available these days – and indeed, the increased use of Bluetooth technology – images can be shared easily and at a reduced cost between friends at school. As well as this, young people will always look to push the boundaries at an age when they are more sexually and socially aware.
What should I do if I am concerned?
If you are worried that your child may be receiving or even sending indecent images on their mobile phone, you should talk to them about the consequences of their actions. Make them aware that once the image has been sent, they have lost control of that image and anyone can potentially have a look at it.
You can look at www.thinkuknow.co.uk/ for more information and advice on some of the risks that you child could be taking and how to deal with this. If you are concerned that someone is sending your child indecent images or is engaging with them inappropriately, you can report this by clicking on the CEOP Report button.
Click Clever Click Safe
Microsoft, Google and Mozilla have launched a customised version of their popular web browser to promote online safety for families. Further information, tools and download links are available from CEOP here:
Click here for further information and download link
ChildNet/KnowIT All
Order eSafety CD Roms and various awareness raising publications here: http://www.childnet-int.org/order/default.aspx
Teacher leaflet (eSafety – an introduction for teachers): http://www.childnet-int.org/downloads/tleaflet.pdf
Adults leaflet (eSafety- an introduction for adults who work with children):http://www.childnet-int.org/downloads/taleaflet.pdf
