Officers for the UK’s National Crime Agency say it has become ‘normal’ for children to send nude or explicit images of themselves through social media and text messages.
And in Jersey Acting Detective Chief Inspector Mark Hafey said it was a ‘growing trend’ and he warned that it can cause ‘extremely damaging effects’.
Earlier this month the States police launched the second part of their cyber crime awareness initiative warning children and parents about dangers of socialising online.
In partnership with the Education Department, officers have been speaking to students at Highlands College as well as offering sessions with secondary schools as part of the Prison! Me! No Way! initiative. Leaflets listing advice on online safety – including sexting – have also been delivered to every primary and secondary school in Jersey. Now Acting Det Chief Insp Hafey said children today are ‘taking risks and pushing boundaries’ as they become more sexually and socially aware.
‘Flirtation is also a major part of teen life. When flirtation and technology combine it is colloquially known by the term “sexting” and it can have extremely damaging effects,’ he said.
‘An image on the internet has no natural lifespan – once posted it may be copied by many others including those who may be predatory abusers.’
Mark Capern, the Island’s principal youth officer, and Lesley Harrison, chairman of the charity Prison! Me! No Way! Jersey, said children need to think before they post online.
Mr Capern added that the images can lead to children being bullied.
‘Our message is do not post anything online that you would not want your granny or your mum and dad to see. And also if you have any concerns then delete people from social media or block them,’ he said.
‘The concern is that every child has a mobile phone nowadays and when they go home they can’t get away from the bullying – it is always in their pocket. There is a lot more pressure on children today.’
Mrs Harrison said Prison! Me! No Way! offers lessons to schoolchildren in partnership with the States police throughout the year which they try to tailor to subjects that are topical.
Why do people do sexting?
There is a lot of pressure on young people and they often don’t think of the consequences. Sadly sexting is seen as ‘normal’ but what we need is for young people to know the impact it could have on their lives.
What exactly is classed as sexting?
Sexting is taking or sharing inappropriate or explicit pictures/videos of yourself or others.
How common is sexting?
It is more common than people think and cases are reported across the Island almost every day. Many young people don’t see sexting as a problem and don’t want to talk to an adult about it as they are afraid of being judged or having their devices taken away.
Where does sexting occur? Is it just by phone?
It occurs in a number of places including live one-to-one video chats on websites, video chat via instant messaging, files sent by email to another person, files uploaded to public video hosting websites, files being sent as attachments during online chat sessions and files used as profile images or posted on social networks.
Can I get in trouble if I have sent a picture?
