Start Talking About the Risks of Taking Naked Photos

Discussion Guide

We’ve heard from kids that sending and receiving nudes has become increasingly common among youth, with 4 in 10 kids ages 9-17 saying that this behavior is “considered normal”. The best form of prevention is education.

Kids 7–12 More Comfortable

Introduction

While sending and receiving nudes poses a variety of dangers, it is increasingly common for kids to come across these situations, and it is natural for them to be curious. Sending nude images can make children vulnerable to exploitation, so educating children about the risks of engaging in this behavior early is important.

In this guide you will:

Start a nonjudgmental open dialogue with your child.
Make sure your child understands what it means to send nudes.
Make sure your child knows you are always there for them and that they can come to you if they have questions.

What to expect from your kid

Your child may not know what sending nudes means, but they may have heard about it at school or from friends, and could have questions. If your child is asking questions about this topic it does not mean they are actively participating in the behavior. Remember to stay calm and offer your child non-judgmental support. Simply by being willing to talk about it, you are showing your child that they can talk to you about anything.

First steps

It may feel difficult to take this topic on, but starting an open, non-judgmental conversation with your child about this tough subject can help them better understand the situation and know what to do if they receive requests for nudes. Here are some entry points to get you started:

They talk about showing a friend their body parts.
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.