What Parents Need to Know about Sexting

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Jonathan Taylor Online safety, social media and online grooming expert
Guide

This free online safety guide focuses on sexting: the sending, receiving or forwarding explicit messages, images, or video of a sexual nature. The guide takes a look at how to tackle a range of potential risks such as online blackmail, bullying and breaking the law.

A free online safety guide on sexting.

Sexting involves the sending, receiving or forwarding explicit messages, images, or video of a sexual nature. Although mobile phones are the most common vehicle for sexting, the term can also apply to sending sexually explicit messages through any digital media such as email, instant messaging and social media sites. These messages can be sent to or from a friend, boyfriend, girlfriend or someone your child has met online. Sexting is often described as "the new flirting" for children, but it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18. Some of the main platforms that sexting occurs on are Snapchat, Tinder, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram and Kik.

In the guide, you'll find tips on avoiding potential risks such as online blackmail, bullying and breaking the law.