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Teenagers are being urged to think twice before 'sexting' and to pause before they send explicit or naked pictures of themselves to others.
The advice comes as part of an awareness-raising drive being rolled out by North Wales Police’ School Police Officers (SPO’s) following an increase in the number of reported incidents in schools.
Sexting is a term used for sending or receiving of sexual, naked or semi-naked images or videos which can be taken by a young person of themselves (selfie), or by others.
Since September, School Police Officers have dealt with 28 incidents of sexting involving young people.
Officers are delivering lessons on the subject matter at secondary schools across the region in a bid to help raise awareness and the campaign and messages, aimed at young people and adults, are being issued on the force’s social media accounts. Printed material has also been produced which will be on display at schools and colleges.
Mannon Williams, North Wales Police’ Schools Service Manager said: “We know that sexting in under-18’s is an increasing issue which is reflected nationally, not just here in North Wales.
“However, the increased reporting has highlighted why it is important to educate young people about the potential consequences of sexting and encourage parents and carers to have open and honest conversations with their children about it.
“Since September, School Police Officers have delivered 159 Risky Pics lessons to secondary school pupils across the region – reaching 4,006 pupils and 221 adults. This has been the lesson with the highest demand for us so far this term.
“Technology has become ever more advanced and available this is why this campaign is so important. By educating young people about the law surrounding sexting and the potential consequences of sending these types of images, we can help them to avoid making a decision which they later regret.
“Anyone who takes, sends, shares, or has a naked image of someone under the age of 18 is breaking the law. We don’t want to criminalise young people where it is not appropriate, and we hope that by educating young people about sexting we can avoid this altogether.
“Safeguarding is at the forefront of all that we do with children and young people and we want to re-affirm to young people and parents/carers that we are here to help when they need us.”
Social media followers can follow the campaign via #ThinkBeforeYouSend hashtag.
Advice for young people:
Advice for parents/carers concerned about their children sexting:
If it has happened:
Where and how to seek help:
Parent Zone | At the heart of digital family life
Keeping children safe online | NSPCC