Growth of Sexting

What is Sexting?

Sexting involves sending and receiving explicit messages, images or videos of a sexual nature. This content is usually uploaded on a mobile device, which can then be uploaded onto social networking sites and shared further. They can be sent to or from a friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, or someone your child has met online.

Sexting is often described as the new flirting for children – but it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18, with police forces in England and Wales recording 6,238 underage “sexting” offences in 2016-17, a rate of 17 a day.


Here are some facts about sexting:

  • Sexting is becoming more common and sending, receiving or distributing a naked or semi-naked photo is the most common form of sexting.

  • Sexting is illegal when it involves anyone under 18 or to harass people of any age.

  • Young people can be charged and potentially registered as a sex offender if they create, receive or transmit a sexualised image or video of a person under 18.

  • If your child sends a sext, they have no control over where it might end up.

  • Victims of sexting may experience serious psychological harm and ongoing damage to their reputation.

Why do young people sext?

With increasing time spent on phones and technology, there are some risks. What could motivate your child to sext?

  • Increasing use of technology paired with normal teen risk taking behaviour.

  • Young peoples’ understanding of the consequences is low or they may think they’re the exception and nothing bad will happen to them.

  • It's easier to let your guard down on the phone or internet than it might be in person.

  • What is seen as acceptable today may have changed from previous generations.


Sexting occurs predominantly on the following Apps:

  • Snapchat

  • Tinder

  • Facebook Messenger

  • Instagram

  • WhatsApp

  • Kik