Sexting: What It Is and How to Say No

Sexting means sending or receiving sexual messages, nude or semi-nude photos, or videos, usually through apps such as Snapchat, WhatsApp or Instagram. It can feel as if everyone else is doing it, but you never have to join in. You can say no, even if you have sent images before.

Images can be copied or shared

Once you send an image, you cannot guarantee where it will end up. Even if the person you send it to means well, other people may still see it.

• They can screenshot or save it, even on apps with disappearing messages.
• It can be forwarded, shared in group chats or posted online, then copied again.
• Photos are often backed up to cloud storage.
• Images are sometimes shared after a break-up to embarrass or hurt someone.

Agreeing to send an image does not give anyone permission to pass it on, and sending one does not mean you have agreed to send more. If someone shares your image without permission, it is not your fault.

If a nude image of you has been shared and you are under 18, Report Remove, run by Childline and the Internet Watch Foundation, can help get it taken down. It cannot guarantee that every copy will be removed. If you are now 18 or over and the image was taken when you were a child, you can report it to the Internet Watch Foundation.

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Pressure, bullying and threats

Shared images can be used to bully, shame or control people. Anyone who forwards an image becomes part of the bullying, even if they did not start it. Unwanted sexual messages or pictures matter too. You do not have to reply, and you can block and report the sender.

Sextortion is when someone threatens to share a sexual image of you unless you send more or pay money. They may be using a fake identity, and the image may have been altered or made with AI. If this happens:

• Do not pay or send anything else. If you already have, you are not to blame. Stop any further payments and contact your bank or payment provider quickly.
• Where it is safe, save the threats, usernames, profile links and payment demands. Do not download, screenshot or forward any sexual images.
• Tell a trusted adult and report it to CEOP, the National Crime Agency's Child Exploitation and Online Protection command, or to the police on 101. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

What the law says

Taking, possessing or sharing an indecent photo or video of someone under 18 can be illegal, including when young people take or share images of themselves. Agreeing to the image does not, by itself, make it legal. Not every nude image is legally "indecent", but you should not assume an image is lawful because everyone involved agreed. The age of consent for sex is 16, but the law on images treats anyone under 18 as a child.

Police may deal with consensual image-sharing between young people through safeguarding rather than prosecution. What happens depends on the circumstances and the law where you live. Forwarding someone else's picture, pressuring someone or making threats is usually treated more seriously. An incident may still be recorded by the police. A police record is not the same as a criminal conviction, and whether it could appear on future checks depends on the situation.

If an adult asks you for nude or sexual images, take it seriously and tell a trusted adult. This can be a criminal offence, and you can report it to CEOP or the police.

How to say no and get help

You do not owe anyone an explanation, but having a reply ready can make saying no easier.

• Keep it short: "No, I'm not comfortable with that."
• Set a clear boundary: "I don't send pictures like that to anyone."
• Use humour or a funny GIF to change the subject if that feels easier.
• If they keep pushing, stop replying, then block and report them on the app.

You do not have to soften your refusal or keep responding. It is up to the person pressuring you to stop.

If someone sends you a nude image, do not forward it or show it to anyone. Ask a trusted adult what to do with it.

You will not get into trouble just for asking for help. A parent, carer, teacher or your school's designated safeguarding lead can support you, including if images are going round school, though they may need to involve others to keep you safe. Childline supports young people under 19. Call free on 0800 1111 or see the Childline website for other ways to get in touch. The NSPCC also has advice for young people and parents.

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