You always need consent to share sexual material of other people
Some examples of digital abuse can be if someone:
- sends you unsolicited sexual photos, videos, or messages
- takes sexual pictures or videos of you without permission
- shares sexual material of you on websites or with others, for example a picture, video, audio recording, or message
- shares counterfeit sexual material of you
- pressures you to send them nude photos or videos of yourself
- threatens to share sexual material of you with others
- forwards sexual material of other people if it is not known whether the person has given consent.
This is usually called digital sexual abuse because most often digital devices are used, such as the internet and phones. But the same applies to physical photographs or other material that is not digital.
Can teenagers send nude photos of themselves?
It is OK for teenagers aged 15-18 to send sexual content of themselves to others of a similar age and maturity level – if everyone consents. It is always illegal to send an unsolicited photo to someone, for example a dick pic.
Children cannot give consent and it is always illegal for adults (over 18) to make sexual materials involving children (under 18) or send them sexual material.
Get help
It is always better to tell someone if you have experienced abuse, no matter how long ago it was. It’s good to talk to an adult you trust. You can also get help in the webchat Sjúkt spjall.
If you are worried that a picture of you might be shared or you think it has been shared you can let TakeItDown know and they'll work with the social media companies to take it down.
