Campaign aims to stop teens sharing intimate images

A new campaign has been launched by police encouraging young people to stop and think before sharing an intimate photo with someone else.

The Sussex Police campaign, called Think Twice, encourages teenagers to pause before pressing send, reminding them they will no longer have control once the image has been shared.

The force said the scheme was aiming to educate, rather than prosecute, but it did remind people it is illegal for anyone to make, share, send or receive an image of a person under 18 years old.

More than 30 schools across East and West Sussex have signed up, meaning they will have access to resources to create their own lesson plans for pupils, the force said.

A warning issued by Sussex Police said a private photo could be forwarded on or even shared online, giving viewing access to unlimited people and having a "devastating" impact.

Det Ch Insp Neil Bates, child sexual exploitation lead for Sussex Police, 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.

"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."

Award-winning designer Pedro Allevato, who has worked with Marvel Studios and Gorillaz, has collaborated on the campaign, creating three animations for it.

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