Sexting reports every day, say police

Wednesday 23 July 2014

Police say that “sexting” – people sending naked pictures of themselves to their boyfriends or girlfriends – is happening every day but that some young people aren’t aware of the risks.

Officers are joining up with youth workers to hold a webchat on the States of Jersey Police’s Facebook page, and say that they’re happy to answer questions anonymously if that’s what people want.

The webchat is part of a campaign by the police to make sure that young people understand the risks of sexting, and to make sure that they realise any pictures they send can be passed on to others too. The campaign has seen commercials on Channel ITV (all online here at http://www.youtube.com/statesofjerseypolice) to make young people aware that they may leave themselves open to harassment, bullying or blackmail.

Detective Sergeant Dave Hill, of the police’s Public Protection Unit, will be joined by school-based Social Worker Mandy Berner and Senior Youth Worker Vicky Twohig for the live chat tonight.

DS Hill said: “Incidents of sexting are seen across Jersey every single day, some are reported to police but most to teachers and parents. If you talk to any teenager they are likely to know someone who has sent an image of this kind.

“What we need to do is ensure they know the risks involved with this practice and remind them if you wouldn’t print these images and pass them around your school or show them to your parents then they are not appropriate to share via your phone.”