Increasing trend in the exchange of sexual messages among minors

Children are spending more and more time on their devices, either through social networking apps or playing online games. Recent figures show that children in the UK spend between 7.5 and 9 hours a day looking at a screen.

While much of what they are doing is completely innocent, there is a growing trend of children sending flirtatious photos and messages to peers or even strangers online.

Sexting (from the combination of the words sex and texting) is the exchanging and receiving of erotic messages, videos or photos in the digital space. It can start as a joke or as an innocent joke with friends while discovering one's sexuality, or as part of a romantic relationship. However, like any other online activity involving sensitive data, sending personal information carries potential risks.

According to ESET's recent "Think Twice" survey, 39% were underage (under 18) when they sent their first personal photo or video with sexual content. Consensual sexting is more common between partners, but not uncommon between complete strangers, especially teens.

Something that has been shared, even once, can never be completely erased. It can be used by anyone who has access to it for intimidation or blackmail. The malicious use of photos or videos of sexual content that was sent consensually happens mostly between frustrated partners after a break-up.

ESET's research shows that the most common social media platforms for sending erotic content among teens are WhatsApp (37%) and Snapchat (30%). While these apps may offer time-limited viewing, it's important to remember that the images shared can be screenshotted and saved.

Teenagers and sexting : evidence from ESET's Think Twice survey in the UK.

19% of respondents were underage when they received their first sext message
39% of respondents were underage when they sent their first erotic photo or video.
29% of minors send at least one sex message a week.
58% of respondents regret sending a personal video or picture.
28% of respondents say a photo/video they have sent has been used maliciously.
32% of respondents would go to the police if their photo/video was used maliciously.
44% of respondents in Great Britain were not aware that it was illegal to incite or encourage someone under 18 to send or receive erotic messages.

How to approach sexting as a parent? Stay calm and reasonable

Don't set too strict rules about the use of phones and social media - being overprotective of your child can lead to an even greater desire to participate in activities such as sexting. Educate your children about the undesirable consequences of sexting and use concrete examples.

Important tips for teenagers

If the teen is determined to share erotic photos with someone, they should always be anonymous. Their content should not show their face or other identifying marks, such as tattoos or birthmarks. Also, the background of the photo should not reveal anything.

They should be careful not to show their face in a mirror or on a readable screen. All of this can lead to easy identification and possibly be used for blackmail.

If your child identifies malicious use of their photos or videos, they should contact a parent, teacher or trusted peer who can support them. In extreme cases, the situation can be resolved with the help of law enforcement.

If someone sends them a photo with sexual content and asks for something in return, children should remember that this could be a trap. Legally, no one has the right to blackmail others or threaten to post personal photos.

If the children come to you for advice, reassure them by stressing that this was the best move they could have made. Don't judge them. Instead, show them that you support and accept them, so they can regain confidence and feel good about themselves again. Communication is the key to a healthy family environment. Teens are more likely to trust reasonable and calm parents. An environment of open communication leads to awareness and reduces the excitement of participating in naughty online activities. It's not appropriate to pressure someone to send an erotic picture or video, so teach your children to be brave and report it.

Tell them what the boundaries are

The main rule on which you should seek agreement with your children is the use of personal information online. Are your children confused about what should and should not be shared? Give them a living example : "don't post or send something you wouldn't want grandparents to see".

They should always think twice about what they post in the online world, including their seemingly private conversations and discussions. This approach reduces the risk of malicious use of their private photos.

Children should never send photos, videos or private messages to someone they don't know. Direct them to secure messaging apps that ensure that communication remains between the sender and receiver. Focus on early education and open discussions so that when children begin to explore their sexuality online and offline, they know the risks and how to avoid them.

Finally, remember that non-consensual sexting is illegal and your children should know this. In other words, any type of sexual message in which consent is not given by both parties is considered sexual harassment. Furthermore, not only the sender but anyone who promotes this type of content can be found guilty.