Kentish Express Ashford & District
Teens among 43 revenge porn victims
More than a dozen teenagers in Kent – some as young as 15 – have reported falling victim to “revenge porn”.
A total of 13 youngsters aged 19 and under have complained to Kent Police about private sexual photos or films of themselves being shared online since revenge porn became a crime last April.
Two of the alleged victims were just 15, one was 16, six were 17, one was 18 and three were 19.
Of these cases, five people were charged, two received cautions and one remains under investigation. No action has been taken in the remaining five cases.
There were a total of 43 revenge porn reports in Kent between April and December last year, the oldest alleged victim being 50.
Nationally, children as young as 11 have reported having private images of themselves shared without their permission.
Children’s charity the NSPCC described the statistics as “shocking”.
A spokesman said: “It is shocking that children as young as 11 are becoming victims of revenge porn – and underlines the urgent need for action by social media sites to improve safety.
“Of the 43 total cases recorded by Kent Police between April and December 2015, 13 involved children and young people aged 19 and under.
“Young people also need to be aware of the serious risks of sending explicit material or photos of themselves.
“Once an image is sent there is no control over where it will end up or who will see it.”
Anyone concerned about their child can call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.