Sexting resources

The UK Safer Internet Centre has developed two resources that provide advice and guidance to help young people consider the consequences of posting sexting images online and what they can do if they find themselves in a position where they have lost control of their images.

For their Awareness Day on 24th Oct 2012, the Internet Watch Foundation conducted a study which looked into self-generated, sexually explicit images and videos of young people online. The research sought to discover how much of this content was copied from its original source and put on other websites. The startling findings showed that 88% of the images and videos young people put up appeared on ‘parasite websites’, meaning they were taken from the original area where they were uploaded and made public on other websites. The study reinforced the message to young people that they may lose control over their images and videos once they are uploaded online.

Picture This – drama resource

Picture This a practical drama-based educational resource that addresses and questions the sensitive issue of sexting - the sending of sexually explicit messages or photos electronically - to fully support teachers in starting this important dialogue with pupils and to help young people think about, role play and understand the consequences of creating and sending indecent images. Go to the Childnet 'Picture This' drama activity

Watch the promo video on YouTube

So you got naked online? – advice and help guide for young people about sexting

This resource for children and young people offers advice and explores strategies to support the issues resulting from sexting incidents. The resource can also be used by parents in helping them understand and support their children.

It is a help guide for young people who are worried about images or videos they have taken of themselves or others which are available on the internet. It has really practical information about image sharing, advice about what you can do to manage the situation, and organisations that can provide help.

Download the So you got naked online? resource, created by South West Grid for Learning

Other great resources about sexting

> With Friends Like These - film from the South West Grid for Learning

A film depicting a real life scenario where a sexting image is shared with a trusted friend and then ends up shared around the school, getting out of control. It raises issues around trust, respect, privacy and the consequences of an impulsive decision. View the film

> Exposed - film from CEOP

A film about the story of a 15-year old girl who sends a photo to her boyfriend. It helps young people understand how quickly an image can be circulated and the online and offline bullying which may occur as a result. View the film

The film resource and supporting materials are available for teachers and trainers to download from the Thinkuknow website – www.thinkuknow.co.uk/teachers/resources

Need help?

If you need to talk to someone, the following may be able to help