Sexting: The Facts You Need to Know

Sexting — sending or receiving sexual messages, images, or videos — is something many teenagers hear about or encounter. This is not a lecture about what you should or should not do. It is honest information about what the law says, what the real risks are, and where to get help if something goes wrong. You deserve to have the facts.

What the law says in the UK

It is illegal to create, send, or possess sexual images of anyone under 18 — even if the image is of yourself and you are sending it to someone your own age. The police generally aim to safeguard rather than prosecute young people, but images can end up being investigated, and in some cases a record could affect future opportunities. The law exists to protect you, not to punish you.

Why images get shared beyond the intended person

Relationships end. Phones get stolen or hacked. Friends dare each other. Screenshots take one second. Once an image is sent, you have lost control of it entirely. Even the most trustworthy person cannot guarantee what happens to a digital image over time. This is not about trust — it is about the reality of how digital content works.

If someone is pressuring you

Pressure to send images can feel intense, but anyone who genuinely respects you will accept your 'no' without argument. Common pressure tactics include: 'everyone does it', 'I will not show anyone', 'if you loved me you would', or threatening to share something they already have. All of these are red flags. You can say no, block the person, and tell someone you trust.

If an image has been shared without your consent

This is not your fault. Report it to the platform so they can remove it. Contact the Revenge Porn Helpline (0345 6000 459) who specialise in getting intimate images removed from the internet. You can also report to the police. In the UK, sharing intimate images without consent is a criminal offence. Tell a trusted adult — they can support you through the process.