Sharing Nudes and Semi-Nudes - advice for Education settings
Children and young individuals may either be coerced or willingly engage in the creation and sharing of explicit images involving individuals under 18 years old. Dealing with this issue is intricate, and educational institutions should approach and handle the associated risks with care.
Children and young adults routinely share photos, videos, and live streams online through various platforms. This can involve the creation and sharing of explicit images, driven by diverse motives and not always linked to criminal intent or coercion. However, sharing such images beyond the intended audience can lead to negative consequences like bullying and exploitation. The act of producing, possessing, and sharing explicit content involving individuals under 18 is illegal, necessitating a complex response. Educational institutions should promptly and assuredly address these issues, providing education, support, and protection to young individuals.
The UK Internet Safety Council provides an excellent document that can provide you with support when dealing with such incidents. The UKISC define sharing nudes as: ‘The sending or posting of nude or semi-nude images, videos or live streams by young people under the age of 18 online.’
The terminology regarding the sharing of explicit images can vary among professionals, children, young people, and parents or caregivers. It is crucial to stay informed about the terms employed by children and young individuals and ensure clear communication about the topic. Alternative terms used may include:
- Youth produced sexual imagery or ‘youth involved’ sexual imagery.
- Indecent imagery. This is the legal term used to define nude or semi-nude images and videos of people under 18.
- ‘Sexting’. Many use this term, but some people interpret sexting as ‘writing and sharing flirty or explicit messages with people they know’ rather than sharing images.
- Image-based sexual abuse. This term may be used when referring to the non-consensual sharing of nudes and semi-nudes.
- ‘Revenge porn’ and ‘upskirting’ are also used to refer to specific incidents of nudes and semi-nudes being created/shared.
While the focus is often on the illegal nature of sending and receiving sexual images of individuals under 18, it's important to recognize that unwelcome sexually explicit text messages or emails can also be abusive. It is crucial to ensure that children and young people are aware of how to respond if they receive inappropriate written messages that upset them.
The guidance from UKCIS explains that, if a young person is found creating or sharing explicit images, the police may record the incident as a crime, but formal action may not be pursued if it is not in the public interest. Such recorded crimes are unlikely to impact future records or checks unless the individual is involved in other similar activities that suggest a risk. Police are more inclined to take action if there are aggravating factors, such as lack of consent or malicious intent.
What are the risks?
Many young people view the creation and sharing of nude or semi-nude images as acceptable, but they often fail to recognize the associated risks, such as:
- Lack of control of the image
- Bullying
- Isolation from friends
- Defamation of character
- Blackmail/sextortion
- Emotional distress
- Criminal and/or exploitation
- Unwanted attention and or sexual harassment both online and offline
- Stalking and grooming
- Becoming involved with sharing nudes of others
- Be it for revenge or a harmless joke sometimes children do not realise it is illegal
What are the signs?
- Stress and or anxiety
- Lack of sleep
- Low self-esteem
- Displaying over-sexualised behaviours
- changes in academic attainment
- Changes in online behaviour, e.g. avoiding using devices or apps
- Becoming isolated
- Becoming secretive
- Being bullied
- Experiencing sexual harassment
- Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
What about our vulnerable children?
The 2020 Cybersurvey by Youth Works, titled "Locked Down and Online," reveals that young people facing challenges in their home life, dealing with eating disorders, and experiencing mental health issues are more likely to create and share nude or semi-nude images. Additionally, children in care, especially those in residential care or with disrupted care histories, and those grappling with their sexual identity, are also more prone to sharing such images.
It is crucial for young people struggling with these issues to have someone at school to confide in, someone who takes responsibility for listening, communicates with family and other teachers, and can take appropriate action to ensure their safety.
According to the Ministry of Justice, 76% of girls aged 12-18 reported receiving unsolicited nude images of boys or men. In a BBC report, a young woman highlighted that receiving such images had become so normalised in schools that children often delete them without even thinking about it or reporting it to anyone.
The key takeaway is that we should not solely rely on young people to identify their own abuse, as they may not be aware of it or may feel unable to communicate it.
What should you do?
- Report it to your designated safeguarding lead (DSL) or equivalent immediately.
- Do not view the imagery.
- Follow your setting’s child protection policy and procedures.
- Never copy, print, share, store or save the imagery, or ask a child to share or download it – this is illegal.
- If you have already viewed the imagery by accident (e.g. if a young person showed it to you before you could ask them not to), report this to the DSL (or equivalent) and seek support.
- Do not delete the imagery or ask the young person to delete it.
- Do not ask the child/children or young person/people who are involved in the incident to disclose information regarding the imagery. This is the responsibility of the DSL (or equivalent).
- Do not share information about the incident with other members of staff, the young person/people it involves or their, or other, parents and/or carers.
- Do not say or do anything to blame or shame any young people involved.
- Do explain to them that you need to report it and reassure them that they will receive support and help from the DSL (or equivalent).
Prevention
The way we respond to incidents, even those involving 'low-level' harmful sexual behaviour, significantly influences the culture within a setting. Poor handling of these incidents can normalize unsafe behaviours, fostering an environment conducive to child-on-child abuse and potentially silencing other children and young people.
To counteract this, it is essential to establish an environment built on equality and informed choice. This involves guiding young people to reflect on the underlying issues and attitudes related to sending nude or semi-nude images, especially in the context of promoting gender equality.
Explain the risks of sharing nudes and semi-nudes. Discuss the motivations of the person who requested the image. Be non-judgmental. Encourage them to share their concerns with a trusted adult.
Ensure that young people are aware of the risks associated with sharing nude and semi-nude images by discussing the topic at an age-appropriate level, starting from the later years of primary school. Recognize that the age range of individuals sharing such images can vary based on factors like maturity, relationship status, and sexuality.
Verify that young people have safe relationships within their families, among peers, and with your staff. Foster an environment where it is acceptable to discuss even the most challenging topics.
Be vigilant for signs and be prepared to act. Utilize checklists and safeguarding procedures, and be confident in addressing the possibility of sharing nude and semi-nude images.
Take continuous action and persist until you are certain that children and young people are safe.
Further support - Refer to the UKISC Guidance on Sharing Nudes and semi-nudes. There is a very useful risk assessment on page 49 to support you.
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