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Report potential abuse to CEOP

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'Sexting'

Sexting is when a young person takes an indecent image of themselves and sends it to their friends or boy / girlfriends by mobile phone.

Once taken and sent, the sender has lost control of these images, which could end up anywhere. They could be seen by the child’s future employers, their friends or even by paedophiles.

By having indecent images of a person under 18, or sending them on to someone else, they could be breaking the law, as these are offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

What can parents do?

If you are worried that your child may be receiving or even sending indecent images on their mobile phone, talk to them about the consequences of their actions.

Make sure they know that once the image has been sent, they have lost control and anyone can potentially see it.

If you are concerned that someone is sending your child indecent images or is engaging with them inappropriately, report it by following the 'Report abuse' link below.

• Report abuse - CEOP Opens new window

Further information

• Keeping children safe online