Need help with a sexting situation?
If you have sent a SEXT and are regretting it..
- Don't panic
- Take a minute, pause and just let yourself calm down
- Do not be too hard on yourself
- Contact the person you sent it to and ask them to delete it immediately
- Talk about it - it is important you get suppport. You can talk to a friend (be certain they are not going to tell other young people), but then talk to an adult you trust
If someone forwarded your sext (including photo / video):
- Don’t wait to take action: the longer the photo/video is out there, the harder it is to control.
- Talk to an adult you trust - You don’t have to show them the photo / video (they won't ask to see it), but it’s important to tell them what’s happening.
- Don’t retaliate - don’t try to get back at the person who shared it. (This will make things worse.)
- Get the image removed: if the sext was shared on a website, contact the website right away and explain the situation. They may be able to remove the photo / video, especially if you’re under 18.
- Block people who are harassing you, and the people who forwarded the photo / video, on your online accounts.
- Don’t reply to any mean and hurtful comments.
- Remember it’s not your fault if something is shared without your consent.
You shared a sext sent to you (including photo / video):
- Don’t wait to take action - the longer the photo / video is out there, the harder it is to control. Consider ways to remove the image, and do so
- Talk to an adult you can trust- it’s important to get support with what’s happening.
- Be aware that the police will be involved and be prepared for what you are going to say to them - showing you have done everything to make the situation right will be seen in a positive way.
Who can help?
- In school you can talk to any adult you feel able to talk to about it - that could be a teacher or teaching assistant, your form tutor, Head of Year or anyone in the Well Being Centre (if you are a pupil at Lakelands Academy).
- At home you can talk to your parents, an older brother or sister, a cousin or aunt or uncle - whoever you feel you can talk to
- Online - you can talk to Childline (0800 111111), or counselling services like Kooth and Young Minds if it is effecting your mental health.
- You can report it to the social media network (eg Instagram, Snapchat) - see this thinkuknow page for help with this.
- If you are under 18, and you are worried or being threatened, you can make a report to CEOP.
How sharing can be disrespect