Sharing nudes and semi-nudes

Overview

Sharing nudes and semi-nudes (sometimes referred to as ‘sexting’) refers to creating and sending nude or partially nude:

• images
• videos 
• live streams

Many young people have access to smartphones, tablets and other connected devices. Using these they can easily create and share images or videos on social media or private messaging apps. Young people often don’t fully understand the risks or long-term consequences of sharing images.

Generative AI has contributed to an increase in computer-generated nude images and videos. These may be created using tools such as:

• photo or video editing software
• deepfake generators
• nudify apps 
• AI text-to-image generators

Young people may share with peers images of: 

• themselves or others 
• people who they are in romantic relationships with 
• people they don’t know

There can be many different motives or reasons behind the behaviour, some more harmful than others.

Legal implications of sharing nudes and semi-nudes

In England and Wales, the Protection of Children Act 1978 makes it an offence to take, make, show, possess or distribute indecent images of anyone under the age of 18.

This can be a confusing situation for a child or young person. If they have taken a nude image of themselves and stored it privately on their device, this is still an offence, even if the image only shows them.

However, the police now view many incidents that only involve children and young people as a safeguarding issue, rather than a criminal matter. 

Criminalising children and young people who take and share nudes and semi-nudes of themselves is not in the public interest. It is also not in the interests of those involved.

This can create complicated situations for adults working with children and young people. If there is an incident involving sharing nudes and semi-nudes, you should:

• act carefully to ensure that you don't do anything that could also be considered an offence related to indecent images of children
• ensure that any child or young person in possession of images of themselves or others under 18 is supported and safeguarded

Incidents that only involve under 18-year-olds will be considered on a case-by-case context. Some will be dealt with as a safeguarding matter, some as a criminal matter.

Support for young people

Support for schools

Ensure children and young people:

• have opportunities to learn and ask questions about the risks of creating and sharing nudes and semi-nudes
• understand the safeguarding procedures in your school
• know who they can talk to
• know that any disclosures will be treated confidentially and respectfully

This will give them greater confidence to disclose concerns or incidents. 

You can use the following resources to help educate children and young people about this issue.

Support for families

Views from the experts

Help and support