Online Safety for Schools Online Safety Magazine for Schools | Page 21

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Sexting, Sexy Selfie or
Inappropriate Self Generated Images
What Must be Understood to Prevent Criminalisation of Children & Young Adults
Sexting among teens is, unfortunately, common. Many parents are shocked to hear how casually teens discuss how
prevalent it is. And, while experts differ on statistics, as long ago as 2009 a study confirmed 'sexting' is a teen reality
that’s here to stay, how right they were. Interestingly though research and 'experts' continue to supply statistical
issues relating to the sending and receiving of sexy self generated images as if it has suddenly become an epidemic.
Why do children or young adults take such images? To show off, to entice someone, to show interest in someone,
or to prove commitment. Perhaps even as a joke. Teens' developing interest in sex, an impulse to experiment, and
apps that make sexting easy -- and acceptable -- create an environment that some teens find irresistible.
Sending these pictures or messages is problematic enough, but the real challenge comes when this content is
shared broadly. As far too many teens have found out, the recipient of these messages is in possession of a highly
compromising image or message that can be easily posted on a social networking site or sent to others via direct
messaging.
In a technological world where anything can be copied, sent, posted, and seen by huge audiences, there’s no such
thing as being able to control information. The intention doesn’t matter -- even if a photo was taken and sent as a
token of love, for example, the technology makes it possible for everyone to see your child’s most intimate self. In
the hands of teens, when revealing photos are made public, the 'sender' almost
always ends up feeling humiliated. Furthermore, sending sexual images to
minors is against the law, and some children have been prosecuted for the
making and/or distribution of Indecent Images of Children. So, whilst the image
may have been sent in complete innocence the child may find themselves
charged or cautioned for a criminal offence. This charge or caution will result
in a period spent on the Sex Offenders Register (SOR). The SOR is a register
containing the details of individuals convicted, cautioned or released from prison for a sexual offence against
children or adults since 1997, (and initially was believed to be for adults and was not created for registering children
Under 18).
Let’s Define 'Sexting' Correctly
In 2012, whilst speaking to students from years 9 & 10 at an all girls school, a student stated that she did not take
part in 'sexting’ but did receive and send 'Sexy Selfies'. Initially I felt this was an act of defiance, then I realised this
exactly highlighted the issue. Most teens that do get involved in taking, sending and receiving sexy selfies do not
see it as 'sexting'. If a parent or a teacher tries to speak to a teen about 'sexting' the initial
response will be '#awks' (awkward). However, whilst this synonymising is understandable and may legitimise the
action to the teen involved in sexting, the issue becomes one of definition which highlights the legal dangers;
Sexting:
Sexting is sending, receiving, or forwarding sexually explicit messages, photographs
or images,