Sexting is the act of sharing sexually explicit or inappropriate images, videos or messages via mobile phones or online platforms. It can be shared between friends, someone you are romantically involved with, or even a stranger. While sending them a naked (nude) or semi-naked snapshot can seem harmless, it can have lasting consequences.
There are various reasons for sexting, such as:
- gaining validation from others because of low body confidence;
- flirting with someone;
- having fun;
- increasing intimacy and closeness in a romantic relationship;
- being pressured by your friends or partner.
It’s never okay to be pressured into sexting or sending a nude photo. You have all the right to say ‘no’ if you are not comfortable with it.
To get more information and, advice and guidance about sexting, online safety and sexual relationships, visit Online Safety Hub – Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (safeguardingni.org).
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Potential dangers of sexting
Lasting consequences
Although sent from ‘private’ apps, explicit content is easy to save and share. You may trust the receiver now, but that trust may not last forever. The content can fall into the wrong hands and can become public through further sharing.
Legal implications
Sexting is illegal for people under the age of 18. This is to prevent creating, sharing and keeping indecent content of a child. If you are 18 and over, it is illegal to distribute any private sexual images/videos without your consent.
Impact on wellbeing
Sexting can lead to your private images, messages or videos being shared without your consent, even by someone you trust. This can make you feel emotions like distress or embarrassment, and impact your mental wellbeing.
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What to do after sharing
If you are concerned about sexting or a nude that you’ve already sent, there are steps you can take to control the situation and minimise the consequences.
Ask the receiver to delete it – If you have shared something private but now are uncomfortable with it, have an honest conversation with them and ask them to delete it.
Speak to a trusted adult – If you feel worried about a private image / video that you’ve sent, talk to an adult whom you trust. You can feel embarrassed, but an adult will be able to help you.
Speak to a counsellor – If there is no one you can trust enough to talk to, you can speak to a counsellor confidentially at Childline: 0800 1111
Report the sharer – If your shared image / video has been posted online, and whoever posted it refuses to delete it, report it and the social media platform will take it down. Social networking sites don’t allow naked images of people under 18. If you are under 18 and worried that you may have shared your sexual image or video online, you can also use the Report Remove tool. This tool will help you report an image or video and see if it is possible to get it removed.
Get help from PSNI – If someone pressured you to send a sexual picture, or is now threatening you (which is a crime), you can report it to PSNI. Do not feel embarrassed or scared. The PSNI deals with lots of cases like this every day, and they will know how to help you.
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How to say 'NO'
Here are some suggestions for how to say ‘no’ in different situations:
- To your partner in a relationship – Tell them that you’re not comfortable with it. Remember, if someone truly respects and cares about you, they should never make you feel bad for saying ‘no’.
- To someone you know and like, but are not in a relationship with – If you are not able to be direct with them, it might feel easier to say ‘no’ in a humorous way, like sending a GIF or meme.
- To a stranger – Do not engage with them. Ignore, block and report them, so they can’t contact you again.
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Who should I talk to?
If you are worried about any of the above situations or if sexting has impacted you in any way, there are many people you can talk to for support, and access lots of resources for guidance.
This includes:
- Teachers
- Parents
- Your school nurse
To get more information, help and advice about sexting, online safety and sexual relationships, visit the