Sussex Police have launched a new campaign encouraging young people to think carefully before sharing intimate photographs, warning that once an image is sent, they can lose control over who sees it.
The Think Twice initiative aims to educate teenagers about the risks of sharing private images and the potentially devastating consequences if photographs are forwarded to others or published online.
More than 30 schools across Sussex have already signed up to the campaign, which is designed to raise awareness and provide support rather than focus on prosecution.
Police say there is growing concern about children, particularly teenage girls, feeling pressured to send intimate photographs to others, including people they may have met online.
The campaign highlights how an image intended for one person can quickly be shared with hundreds of others or made publicly accessible on the internet.
Under UK law, making, possessing or distributing indecent images of anyone under the age of 18 is generally illegal, although police say the focus of the initiative is on education and safeguarding young people.
Schools taking part will receive educational materials, including posters, digital content for display screens and information to help teachers develop lesson plans.
Award-winning designer Pedro Allevato, who has previously worked with Marvel Studios and Gorillaz, has collaborated with Sussex Police to create three animations reinforcing the campaign's message.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Bates, Sussex Police's child sexual exploitation lead, said: “There is a growing issue with children, particularly teenage girls, feeling pressured to send intimate photos of themselves to someone else.
“This could be for a number of reasons, sexual experimentation, or pressure from someone else – perhaps a boyfriend or someone they have met online.
“Unfortunately, that private image often does not stay private between those two people. We want to ensure young people are aware that the photo they’ve sent could end up being forwarded on to hundreds of others or even published online for anyone to see.”
Police are also encouraging teenagers who feel pressured into sharing images, or who are concerned about photographs already sent, to seek help from a trusted adult or contact officers.
DCI Bates added: “Our message is Think Twice before you press send and always talk to an adult you trust, or the police, if you are at all concerned. We will listen to you and we will support you.”
Further information, advice and support are available through the Think Twice campaign on the Sussex Police website.
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