Think Before You Share is a campaign from the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF). Registered Charity No: 1112398
There can be a lot of pressure to share images online. A ‘cheeky nude’ in a WhatsApp chat. That ‘girl’ online asking for a ‘dick pic’. It can feel like everyone is doing it.
But if you’re sending pics, make sure you think before you share. And remember, if someone has shared your pics, they’re in the wrong – so don’t be afraid to ask for help.
On this page, you can find help and support. And most importantly, get help to get your pics taken down.
If you’ve shared a pic of yourself, to someone consenting, please don’t feel like you’ve done anything wrong. You’re never to blame if that pic is shared on.
What’s more, if you’re under 18, the sharing of your pics by other people is a crime. If this has happened to you, or you’ve simply changed your mind about having shared the image, here’s what you can do:
We’ve teamed up with the NSPCC and Childline to create Report Remove – a tool that gives you the power to report your images to see if they can be removed from the internet.
You can also use Take It Down – a similar service that can help you get your pics taken down.
REPORT MY PICSWe know it’s awkward – embarrassing, even.
But it’s important that you speak up – whether it’s to a parent, carer, or a teacher you trust.
Having your images shared online is terrifying. But you’re not alone.
If you need further support, get in touch with Childline. They’re open to everyone under 18. You can speak to someone online, over the phone, at any time.
CHILDLINERemember, you’ve got the power to say no if it doesn’t feel right. If you say no, and they keep asking, tell them to jog on.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
Lots of us make friends online these days. But when it comes to sharing nudes, you need to be sure they are who they say they are.
It’s a hard question, and it can be upsetting. But the truth is, if they really cared about you, they wouldn’t want you to feel stressed or anxious, or share pics if you didn’t feel comfortable.
Trust your gut. Ask yourself: does this person make me feel safe? If the answer is no, then don’t share.
Yes. If someone online is asking you for pics – and they won’t take no for an answer – then the best thing to do is to tell a trusted adult – or ring Childline.
Remember, you should never feel pressured to send images when you don’t want to.
It’s really hard standing up to your friends. And it’s rubbish when you see them doing things they shouldn’t.
But you’ve got the power to make your friends stop and think before they share.
If your mate is sharing pics they shouldn’t, here are some things you can say:
Sometimes a simple question, at the right time, can get someone to think about their actions.
And even if the person sharing the pics ignores you, others might listen – and respect you more for speaking up.
There are a whole bunch of reasons why someone might share someone else’s pics. But none of those make it right.
Why not try encouraging them to think about how they’d feel if the roles were reversed?
Sharing images of someone under 18 is a crime. You’re not being a spoilsport – it’s the law.
It doesn’t have to be a big thing, but if you feel confident, remind your friends of the consequences.
If you’re worried about your friend’s behaviour, tell a trusted adult – or ring Childline.
Think Before You Share is a campaign from the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF). Registered Charity No: 1112398
