Young people and parents in Stone and across Staffordshire are being reminded of the dangers of sexting in a new campaign.
The ‘Say no to Sexting’ campaign is being run by Staffordshire County Council and partner agencies and launches as part of Safer Internet Day on Tuesday 9th February 2016.
The two-week campaign aims to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation and in particular the dangers for young people around sexting. A brand new website at www.knowaboutcse.co.uk has information and advice for both young people and parents. The website also includes access to a new app to help young people say no, along with useful videos and resources for parents professionals and schools.
Sexting is when someone sends or receives a sexually explicit text, image or video, usually in a text messageor through other messaging services. Sexting is on the rise, yet most young people think that it’s harmless fun. Not only is it illegal but also puts young people at a much higher risk of being sexually exploited online or offline.
Research shows that six out of 10 teenagers say they have been asked for sexual images or videos.
[box type=”shadow” ]John Wood, Joint Chair of the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Children Safeguarding Board, said: “We have made great advances with our partners in protecting children, bringing together public and voluntary agencies to tackle child sexual exploitation.
“Sexting is an activity we have become increasingly aware of amongst young people and many may not realise that what they are doing is illegal or that it may be potentially harmful to them in the future. So many think that it’s a normal part of a relationship and just don’t understand that images can end up all over the internet, and this can led to them being bullied, exploited or blackmailed. Many young people also don’t know they could be breaking the law.
“We all have a part to play in helping young people stay safe online and I would urge everyone, especially parents, to visit the new website to pick up a few tips to start the conversation with their child.”[/box]
Eighteen-year-old Katie O’Brien has helped develop the campaign and appears in one of the sexting videos made especially for the campaign.
Katie said: “When we first got involved in the campaign we didn’t realise how serious an issue sexting really was. We knew it went on amongst some young people, but from research we did, we quickly discovered that the issue was much more serious than we ever could of imagined. We really enjoyed the project and making the videos. We hope that young people and their parents will watch them so they know about the consequences of sexting and avoid getting caught up.”
If you’re concerned about ‘sexting’ go to www.knowaboutcse.co.uk or call NSPCC on 0800 800 5000, it is free and available 24 hours a day and the number won’t appear on a telephone bill. If you think your child has been forced to send or receive an indecent image or video, or is engaging with them inappropriately, you can contact Staffordshire Police on 101 or report it online to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre
