We’ve talked a lot about consenting to sexual activity offline. But all of these rules apply to the online world too.
If you are:
having sexual chats
sending sexual images
receiving sexual images
everyone involved has to be giving their enthusiastic consent. Don’t share sexual images with someone, ask for sexual images, or chat sexually with someone if they don’t give their consent to it.
Understanding online consent
Here are a few things to think about when you’re learning about sexual consent online
Is everyone involved agreeing to what is happening?
Just like in the offline world, these would include things like being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, feeling under pressure or not having mental capacity to give enthusiastic consent
Just with offline behaviour, it is important to make sure that your online behaviour is legal. It is illegal to take, share or ask for any sexual images of anyone under the age of 18. If you’re under 18, this includes sending sexual images of yourself. It also includes sending images of someone else who’s under 18, even if they’ve told you you can share their image. Check out our page on sex and the law to learn more.
Even though it may seem like sending a nude to someone you trust and like is okay, if you’re under 18 it’s actually illegal and it can be risky. Once you share a nude, you lose control of where it goes. It could be sent to other people. Or it could be posted online without your consent or sometimes without you even knowing. Remember, it is also illegal to share sexual images of anyone if you don’t have their consent and/or if you are doing it to upset them (this is sometimes called "revenge porn"). Check our our page on what to do if you’ve shared a nude or been sent one to learn more.
What to do if…
You’ve shared a nude, or been sent one
If you take pictures or videos of yourself that are sexual, these are called nudes or sexual selfies. Learn what to do if you have shared a nude or if someone has sent you one.
A website for young people that aims to help people take control of their sexual health, enjoy healthy relationships and explore their gender or sexual identities. The website contains information on sex and relationships, changing bodies and wellbeing.
CEOP Education, part of the National Crime Agency, protect children and young people from online child sexual abuse. Their 11 to 18s website gives advice and information on topics such as online safety, relationships, sex and sexual consent.
