Sending Nudes: Trust, Consent, & Understanding the Risks

Discussion Guide

We’ve heard from kids that sending and receiving nudes has become increasingly common among youth, with 4 in 10 kids saying that this behavior is “considered normal” and 1 in 5 teenage girls and 1 in 10 teenage boys reporting they had shared nudes.

Kids 10–17 More Comfortable

Introduction

Given the nature of technology, sending and receiving nudes is a growing issue among youth. While it poses a variety of dangers, it is increasingly common for kids to come across these situations, especially as they continue through puberty. A continued dialogue with your child while they are open to learning from you can build a safe space to help them better understand the situation, and know what to do if they encounter it.

In this guide you will:

Break the ice by watching one of the recommended videos together.
Talk to your child without judgment about trust, consent, and risks of sending nudes.
Make sure your child knows that you are always there for them, regardless of what they share about their experiences and ways they’ve engaged online.

What to expect from your kid

Let’s be real – this may be an uncomfortable topic for both you and your child. Your child may not want to open up and talk about this. Be mindful of how these experiences make you feel first and take a couple of deep breaths before initiating these tricky conversations. Focus on taking a calm, nonjudgmental approach and start small. This is meant to be an ongoing conversation, and it’s important for your child to know they can always come to you for support.

First steps

This topic will likely come up at key milestones during puberty, whether it’s something that happens online or in a relationship. Here are some key moments early on to get the dialogue started:

Someone’s nudes are leaked in your child’s school or community.
The topic is covered in a movie or TV show you are watching.
They tell you about something similar that happened to someone they know.

Have you ever heard of sending naked pictures?

Conversation Script

This is just one of many conversations that relate to the convergence of sexual exploration and technology. These guides can help you navigate the nuances, so you’re setting kids up for success.