Consent and Intimate Image Sharing
A guided conversation about consent, intimate image sharing, and the legal and emotional consequences of sending or receiving explicit images.
Intimate image sharing among teenagers is more common than many parents realise. This conversation script helps you address consent, legal risks, and emotional consequences in a calm, non-judgemental way that keeps communication open.
When to have this conversation
Before your child enters secondary school or as soon as you learn they are using messaging apps or social media where image sharing is common. For ages 13 and above.
Before you start
- • Familiarise yourself with UK law on intimate images of under-18s so you can explain the legal position clearly.
- • Think about how you will react if your child reveals they have already sent or received images — plan a calm response.
- • Choose a private, relaxed moment where neither of you is rushed or distracted.
Conversation by age group
"There is something important I want to talk about — it is not a lecture, just a conversation I think we should have."
parent
"I know it might feel awkward, but I want to talk about something that affects a lot of young people — sharing intimate images online."
Keep your tone calm and matter-of-fact. Avoid making them feel accused.
child
"I would never do that."
parent
"I believe you. But I want you to know the facts in case someone ever pressures you. If someone asks you for an intimate image, that is not flattery — it is pressure. And once an image is sent, you lose control of it completely."
parent
"Under UK law, sharing intimate images of anyone under 18 is actually illegal — even if it is your own image. That is not to frighten you, but so you know where things stand."
State the legal fact simply without using it as a scare tactic.
Tips for this age
- • Emphasise that real friends and genuine partners will never pressure them into sharing images.
- • Explain that if they receive an unsolicited image, they should not forward it and should tell you or another trusted adult.
"I want to check in about something that I think is really important as you get older — consent and image sharing."
parent
"As you start having more independence and maybe relationships, I want to make sure we have talked openly about consent — including when it comes to images."
parent
"Consent means someone actively agrees without pressure, and it can be withdrawn at any time. That applies to images just as much as anything else."
child
"I know all this already."
parent
"I am glad you do. But just so we are clear — even at your age, intimate images of under-18s are illegal. And if something ever goes wrong, I want you to come to me. I would rather help you than have you deal with it alone."
Tips for this age
- • Respect their growing maturity but be clear that the legal position applies until they turn 18.
- • Discuss what to do if someone threatens to share an image — including reporting to CEOP and the platform.
Follow-up actions
- → Revisit this topic periodically, especially as your child's relationships develop.
- → Ensure they know about the Childline helpline (0800 1111) and CEOP reporting if they ever feel unsafe.
Related safety topics
This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.