Cyberflashing

(noun)

The act of sending someone nude pictures online without their consent.

Cyberflashing is sexual harassment. It can be distressing and intimidating for the recipient, and it’s happening every single day.

When you receive a picture like this, it can be shocking, and you might not know how to react. You might feel upset. You might feel angry. But it isn’t your fault, and you aren’t powerless.

Block the sender and report it to the platform where it happened (dating site, social media etc.)

Find someone you trust to speak about it with and seek support.

It is illegal to send naked images of, or to, people under 18. When talking to young people about cyberflashing it is important to offer reassurance and let them know it’s OK to discuss this topic with a trusted adult.

Childline’s website offers online support and resources for this topic, as does the NSPCC.

If you are over 18, consent is key. Even if you know the person, or you’re in a relationship with them, you should think of sending nudes as a sexual act and something you need to get consent for every time. If you can’t ask or you don’t get consent, then you shouldn’t send a nude. Consent applies every time.

For more information about consent, sexting and nudes, click here.

Sadly, cyberflashing is currently a legal grey area if you are over 18. But there should be no grey areas when it comes to consent and sexual harassment. By talking about these subjects and spreading awareness we can all play our part to #StopCyberflashing.