| What is Online Safety? | Sexting | Grooming | Fraud | Identity Theft | Cyberbullying | Hacking | Digital Footprint |
Description |
Sexting is the act of sending sexually explicit messages or pictures between mobile phones or other devices e.g. via webcam or games console.
It has of course been possible to send sexually explicit messages since phones could first send text messages back in 1996. But advancements in mobile phone technology means that now it is possible to send high quality pictures with the text message.
The Danger |
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Not only do modern phones have high quality cameras, they also have access to the Internet and direct access to social network sites, photo and video sharing apps as well as instant messaging services. Often people sending “sexts” often see this as harmless fun or a laugh. They do not consider that the person they are sending the explicit text or pictures to could easily share it with hundreds of people with just a few clicks. The photos and texts could also be used for blackmail or for cyberbullying. This in turn can cause mental stability issues and emotional distress. One of the best videos produced that shows the danger of sharing explicit images with others for children is this one from the NSPCC. |
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Signs To Look Out For |
It can be difficult to spot the direct signs of someone sexting without checking their phone or device for images or texts. They will often be very protective of their phone, making sure they never leave it laying around or moving away or trying to hide the screen when they are using it.
Watch for children dressing provocatively indoors. They may use mirrors to take photos of themselves, so watch for them taking their phones into bedrooms or bathrooms and shutting or locking doors.
Watch for signs of emotional turmoil (See list in What is E-Safety.)
Talk to your child about the dangers and set appropriate and agreed boundaries about safe and responsible usage. Discuss the possible consequences of sending images/videos and how people can share them without your knowledge or consent.
If possible check your child's phones for possible signs. They might use some of the following possible secret sexting codes:
| 143 | - | I love you | ASL | - | Age / sex / location | |
| CD9 / Code 9 | - | Parents are around | F2F or FTF | - | Face to face | |
| FWB | - | Friends with benefits | FYEO | - | For your eyes only | |
| GYPO | - | Get your pants off | ILY / ILU | - | I love you | |
| IRL | - | In real life | IWSN | - | I want sex now | |
| IYKWIM | - | If you know what I mean | J4F | - | Just for fun | |
| KFY | - | Kiss for you | KPC | - | Keeping parents clueless | |
| KTOL | - | Kiss on the lips | LMIRL | - | Let's meet in real life | |
| MIRL | - | Meet in real life | MOS | - | Mum over shoulder | |
| NAGI | - | Not a good idea | NIFOC | - | Nude in front of computer | |
| P999 / P911 | - | Parent alert | PAW | - | Parents are watching | |
| PCM | - | Please call me | PIR | - | Parents in room | |
| PLS / PLZ | - | Please | POS | - | Parents over shoulder | |
| RU/18 | - | Are you over 18? | SOS | - | Someone over shoulder | |
| SWAK | - | Sealed with a kiss | TDTM | - | Talk dirty to me | |
| WYCM | - | Will you call me | WYRN | - | What's your real name |
Also check out these links:
www.childnet.com/resources/video-chat-and-webcams
www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers/hot-topics/sexting