Children sharing indecent images

[BrickByBrick]

Whilst driving home from work I heard a report about the following on the radio

www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/county-durham-police-snapchat-offences-15252441

In summary (and from the radio piece) a boy, at the request of another, took a picture of his penis and sent it via snap chat. This then got shared.

The police are now involved and they are facing charges for making an indecent image, sharing and possessing an indecent image. They were reported to be about 13 years old.

I was surprised at the legalities behind the situation and that despite being children they can still be charged with them above and possibly put on the sex offenders register. I knew that it was very wrong but hadn't realised the extent of the legalities.

Is this just me? I am planning on talking to dd (12yrs) and will be talking to ds (10) in a few years, I am more worried about him as he has autism and potentially could be more vulnerable.

I just wondered what others thought, I didn't want to put it on the likes of chat as I would prefer a discussion mainly involving those with pre-teens/teenagers themselves (obviously other input is welcome)

I have just spoken to dd and it doesn't sound like she has had a specific talk.

For those more knowledgeable than me, if someone does ever send her a picture, what is the correct course of action?

I'm guessing report it to someone (teacher would be fine). Or to the Sm eg Instagram.

Steppemum is up on this by the looks - I've not had the training for a while which is why I was wrong about the ages, sorry.

delete.
and report.

But, to be honest, I would not report it if it was between over 16.

To all those commenting, can I just say.
15 is underage for sex
17 can be MARRIED and be sending shot to their own husband/wife.

If the law were to be changed, it would not be for 15 year olds, it would be for between 16/17 year olds.

There is a problem in this, in that the police have quite strict guidelines, and I am not sure they are allowed to make the choice to just give them a serious talk as opposed to charging them

So, it is a very real possibility that a 17 year old, sending a topless pic to their boyfriend, ends up with a criminal record and on the sex offenders register for possession of images of a minor.
That is why the law is scary.

The part of the law protecting under 16s is not up for discussion I don't think.

I have spoken to my year 7 about this.

I have told him if he received it to delete immediately and never ever share.

Thanks steppemum you have explained that really well.

I am definitely at the start of a huge learning 'how to parent teenagers' curve.

Schools round here have been very clearly telling children for a couple of years at least. My dc have been aware and so have I for some time.