There is no ‘usual’ stereotype, any young person could send a nude pic. It's important to make sure young people understand that it is illegal to send nudes, even of themselves. And if it happens, try to understand whether there is peer pressure or grooming involved. Taking, making, sharing and possessing indecent images and pseudo-photographs (an image made by computer-graphics, which appears to be a photograph) of people under 18 is illegal. It doesn’t matter how old they look, looking at indecent images of under 18s is illegal.
This podcast by The 2 Johns looks at why and how young people are drawn into taking and sharing inappropriate images. They discuss how both parents and young people may be feeling and how to have an empathetic conversation with your child, as well as practical advice on getting photos removed.
Childline’s Zipit app, uses humour to help teenagers deal with unwanted requests for sexual images of themselves. The free app offers young people a gallery of images and animations which they can send in response to requests for sexual pictures and to deal with difficult sexting situations.
Sexting advice for parents - how to have those important conversations with children.
Think twice about what you share online. By sharing information about the risks relating to self-harm and suicide you may be inadvertently advertising this content. Instead try sharing messages about general #onlinesafety.
Remember that inappropriate online material, which could be harmful and distressing, can be reported through social media channels for review and potential removal.
The Samaritans Online Safety Hub, co-designed by young people has lots of useful information including how to report worrying content.
Did You Know… just under half of those being investigated for exploiting others online are children and most are the same age as the victim. If you’re worried your child might have been a victim there's more information on how to get help from the Anti-Bullying Alliance.
Our online bullying podcast looks at the pressure from social media and the impact this has on young people. The 2 Johns talk about how parents can create a relationship with their child that encourages them to tell them about these issues and the support available.
Tackling online hate quiz - From the Online Together Project this quiz offers simple, age-specific learning & discussion to empower young people to tackle online hate.
Find out more on the Internet Matters website.
Deepfakes can put inflammatory words into the mouths of politicians and transplant Hollywood A-listers into X-rated movies. But more recently, deepfakes are moving beyond the celebrity bubble and into the lives of ordinary members of the public – fuelling offences such as revenge porn and extortion.
National Online Safety have some useful guidance for parents about Deepfakes and online safety in general.