Help and support for under 18s
Under 18 and need help?
The Revenge Porn Helpline is unable to support anyone under the age of 18 but we do try to provide as much information and signposting towards the services that can help.
As hard and embarrassing as it might be, we would encourage a young person to tell a trusted adult about what has happened. This might be a teacher, parent or trusted adult. You could also call or message Childline and speak to someone there.
Find more information below about why we can't help and most importantly, who can.
You're not alone and help is out there.
Is it against the law for under 18s to take and send intimate images?
Creating explicit images of a child is illegal, even if the person doing it is a child. It is against the law in the UK for someone under the age of 18 to take an explicit photo or video of themselves or a friend.
In 2016, 'Outcome 21' was established to allow UK Police to manage 'sexting incidents' without any formal criminal prosection if this is done between young people of the same age and within a healthy relationship.
What happens if someone shares indecent images of an under 18?
It is against the law in the UK to share (and threaten to share) an explicit image or video of a child, even if it’s shared between children of the same age. It Is also against the law for someone to possess, download, or store an explicit image or video of a child, even if the child gave their permission for it to be created. This law was created to protect children, not to get them in trouble.
Why can't you help me report my images?
It would be against the law for a Revenge Porn Helpline practitioner to view or search for any explicit images of under 18s. It is not within our specialist remit to search or remove this kind of illegal content. It is also important that you do not look for or share the content any further.
The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF)
The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) works internationally to make the internet safer by removing images of child sexual abuse. If the images or videos you would like to report are of someone under the age of 18, the IWF can provide advice or you can report it here.
Childline - Report Remove tool
The Childline 'Report Remove' tool allows under-18s to report through to the IWF with the support of Childline.
Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP)
If you are concerned about a child and online sexual abuse or the way someone has been communicating with a child online, you should report this to CEOP. Make a report here.
For further help and support you can get in touch with Childline
