It is important to talk with your children about the possible consequences of sending or sharing intimate or sexually explicit messages, images, photos or videos. And there are ways you can help if things go wrong. The term ‘sexting’ is not often used by young people or in popular culture. Young people are more likely to refer to other terms like ‘sending nudes' or ‘dick pics’. There is a lot of information on the internet, but I have found the most accurate information for students, parents and the wider community is on the https://www.esafety.gov.au/ website.  I have included a summary of the information for parents below.

What are the risks?                                                                                                                      

Sharing intimate images may seem like a bit of fun or innocent flirting for young people, particularly those in a relationship.

The child loses control of the image. Once an image is shared, it can be copied and saved by others, shared with people the sender does not know and posted on social media and public websites. Images can be extremely difficult to remove and the consequences can follow a young person into adulthood.

Images may not always be sent willingly. Young people may be forced or pressured into sending explicit images or videos. Sometimes sexting can lead to ‘sextortion’ — blackmail with a sexual component — when someone threatens to share an intimate image unless the person in the image pays money or gives in to their demands.

The consequences can be serious                                                                                                  

 For young people, sharing naked or sexually explicit images might result in:

• Humiliation, guilt, shame, anger and self-blame — which can lead to ongoing emotional distress, withdrawal from school and family life and in severe cases, self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
• Bullying, teasing and harassment from peers — they may experience bullying, including cyberbullying, if photos are shared around their school community or friendship group.
• Damage to their reputation — it may impact on their reputation and performance at school, as well as employment opportunities in the future
• Criminal charges and penalties — it can be a crime when it involves asking for, accessing, creating, possessing and/or sharing sexualised images of people under 18.

Sexting and the law                                                                                                                                

There are Commonwealth and state and territory laws against asking for, accessing, possessing, creating or sharing sexualised images of children and young people under 18.

This means a young person who asks for, accesses, possesses, creates or shares sexualised images of someone under 18 may be at risk of criminal charges — even if both parties consented. This would prohibit them from working or volunteering in places involving children and may require them to regularly report to police and have restrictions placed on their freedom of movement.

Given the laws in this area are complex, it is important to be aware of the law and the legal services that are available to advise and support young people who have been involved in sexting.

How can I minimise the risks to my child?                                                                                   

Talk early, talk often

Match your approach to your child’s level of maturity, age and the type of relationship you share with them. Maybe take the opportunity for a chat while you are doing something together, like a long walk or a car trip.

You could start from a real life story in the media or from their school or community, asking questions like: Do you think it was right for her to share that photo after they broke up?

Let them know that they can always approach you if they feel pressured to share an image of themselves or if they have shared an image of someone else. It is also a good idea to save screenshots of any abusive or threatening message in case you want to report them later on.

Help them understand that viewing or sending intimate images can carry the risk of committing a crime, even if the image has been willingly shared.

What can I do when things go wrong?                                                                                             

Stay calm and open. Listen and act fast.

Consider talking to your GP if you have other concerns about the health and wellbeing of your child and seek a referral to an adolescent psychologist.

Young people can access counselling services from Kids Helpline (for 5 to 25 year olds) and eheadspace (for 12 to 25 year olds). Free and confidential legal advice is available from Youth Law Australia (for young people under 25 years) and local community legal centres can also assist with advice and referrals.

If you would like further information on this topic please visit the website https://www.esafety.gov.au/ or if you have any concerns regarding your child please contact the school.

Michelle Pudney

Middle School Assistant Principal