LEARNING CENTRE
Harmful Online Imagery
What is it?
There can be benefits and risks online and on various platforms. Some platforms may have higher risk of certain harms than others. For example, X users may be at higher risk of seeing pornography, whilst Snapchat users may be at risk of cyber bullying.
Online harms can include:
- Cyber bullying
- Scamming/extortion
- Intimate image abuse
- Grooming
- Radicalisation
- Exposure to inappropriate content and fake information
- Idealisation of people
- Encouragement to self-harm or engage in other risk-taking behaviours
Anyone can be at risk of online harm. Young people may be especially vulnerable.
The level of harm that is caused will depend on many factors, including the type of online harm, the young person’s age/maturity level, their support network in the ‘real world’ and other circumstances such as cultural background, for example.
Specific harms could include:
- Self-esteem and body image issues
- Isolation
- Learning misogynistic language and behaviours
- Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and sleeping problems
It is normal for young people to be curious about bodies and sex, especially as they reach adolescence. It therefore makes sense that young people may seek out pornography, and it’s important that we don’t shame somebody for this, or pass judgement. However, pornography can often be a young person’s main (or only) form of ‘education’ on bodies and sex. This is problematic as mainstream pornographic content is overwhelmingly unrealistic, violent and misogynistic, and often young people are shown pornography unsolicited (through a pop up, or sent to them, for example).
Accessing and watching mainstream porngraphy can be linked to increased sexual, relational and body dissatisfaction as well as low self esteem. Mainstream pornography depiction of relationships can impact dating dynamics, expectations and create issues around consent and abuse.
It is not illegal for children and young people under 18 to watch porn, but it is illegal for anyone over 18 to watch porn with anyone under the age of 18. It is also illegal to sell porn to anyone under the age of 18 or to produce porn featuring anyone under the age of 18 (this includes nudes), as well as any content with sexual violence.
Under the Online Safety Act (OSA) 2023 it is illegal to share sexually explicit images of people without their consent when intending to cause distress (Intimate Image Abuse).
It is also illegal to:
- threaten to share intimate content
- blackmail someone with a photo or video
- film someone without their knowledge or consent
- upskirt
- share a deep fake intimate image
What can we do?
Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger
Report to your Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Report to Social Care / MASH if appropriate
Link with a specialist agency upon obtaining consent (if the victim survivor is an adult)
Offer non-judgmental emotional support
Keep accurate records and use professional curiosity when asking questions
Specialist support services
Support is available for anyone experiencing online harm
Childline on 0800 1111
NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) on 0808 800 5000
Project Report Remove
Supporting young people to report nude images: Report Remove | NSPCC Learning