Young people underestimate risks of sharing explicit photos of themselves online – Commissioner for Children
Young people often underestimate the risks associated with the sharing explicit photos or videos of themselves through social media or messaging apps, the Office of the Commissioner for Children has said.
Since 2015, the Council of Europe has declared the 18th of November as the European Day on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse. All children have the right to live a life free from such abuse which may have long lasting effects on them, the Commissioner said.
This year, the European Day will focus on ‘Preventing risky behaviour by Children: child self-generated sexual images and/or videos’.
“Adolescents explore their sexuality, which is part of growing up, however this is also taking place online. This can be of concern when they generate and share explicit photos or videos of themselves through social media and messaging apps,” the Office of the Commissioner said.
“Young people often underestimate the risks associated with the sharing of such material and often think that they are doing this in a trusting environment or are put under a lot of pressure to share such photos or videos. Young people might also be tempted to engage in such risky behaviour. Therefore, awareness raising and prevention programmes are essential to protect children and young people from becoming victims of sexual coercion and/or sextortion.”
The Office of the Commissioner for Children said that it has been instrumental in this regard, through awareness raising amongst children, parents and educators carried out as part of the ‘BeSmartOnline!’ initiative. Earlier on this year, a leaflet was created particularly on this issue outlining the risks of sexting as well as how children and young people can protect themselves. This leaflet is available online www.tfal.org.mt.
The Office would like to take this opportunity to encourage parents/guardians and other significant adults in the lives of children and young people to discuss this issue with them and to encourage them to speak up if they require support. “This is more crucial than ever since, due to the current situation, they are spending more time at home and therefore online.”
The BeSmartOnline! initiative deals with cases of child self-generated sexual images and/or videos and can be contacted for help and support through the helpline 179. The material can also be reported through the hotline www.childwebalert.gov.mt. “It is important that young people are helped and supported, rather than punished, so as to avoid any further negative consequences.”