Sending nudes and sexting

Talk with your child about the possible consequences of sending or sharing intimate or sexually explicit messages, images, photos or videos — and how you can help if things go wrong.

The term “sexting” isn’t always the word young people use — they’re more likely to say “sending nudes”.

What are the risks?

• Once an image is shared, it can be copied, saved and reposted by others without the sender’s consent.
• Images are extremely difficult to remove fully and consequences can follow into adulthood.

• On impulse or without thinking, a friend or partner may share the image more widely than intended.
• Following a breakup, images can be used to humiliate or harm someone (image-based abuse).

• Pressure, coercion or threats (“sextortion”) can push young people to send images.
• Strangers or dating-app contacts may have hidden motives that aren’t clear at first.

The consequences can be serious

• Humiliation, guilt, shame and distress; withdrawal from school or family life; in severe cases, self-harm.
• Bullying and harassment (including cyberbullying) if images circulate among peers.
• Reputational damage affecting school performance and future opportunities.
• Potential criminal issues when sexualised images involve people under 18.

How can I minimise the risks to my child?

Match the conversation to your child’s maturity. Use real-life examples or news stories to get started.

• They never have to send intimate images just because others do.
• Practise ways to refuse or deflect requests; if pressure continues, block and seek adult support.

Explain that sharing someone else’s image without consent breaks trust and may be illegal.

• Once shared, control is almost impossible to regain.
• Identifying features (face, hair, tattoos, jewellery, backgrounds) can reveal a person’s identity.
• Viewing or sending intimate images can carry legal risks even when willingly shared.

What can I do when things go wrong?

• Thank them for telling you and reassure them you’ll work it out together.
• Be supportive while helping them understand the consequences of actions.

Gather details and act quickly to minimise harm — including platform reports and takedown requests.

• Contact your GP or a counselling service if you’re concerned about their wellbeing.
• Where an adult requested the images (possible grooming) contact police immediately.

This material has been adapted with permission from the Australian Government eSafety Commissioner. Permission to adapt content does not constitute endorsement of material by the eSafety Commissioner.