5 reasons why it’s never a good idea to ‘Send Nudes’

Close-up of a group of teenage boys on their mobiles looking at their screens.

Trigger Warning: This article contains references to sexual exploitation. If you have been exploited online, contact An Garda Síochána immediately.

If you feel affected by any of the issues raised in this article and need to talk, Childline is ready to listen. Call 1800 66 66 66, send a text to 50101 or chat online at Childline.ie, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Sending nudes or sexting is the act of sharing sexual images of yourself via email or instant messaging, and can be common online. However, that doesn’t mean it’s risk-free.

The consequences of sending nudes can be traumatising and unhealthy for many relationships. And, if you’re under 18, you may be breaking the law.

Here are a few reasons to think twice before hitting ‘send’:

1. You could get into trouble with the law

Any sexual image of you taken while you are under 18 is considered child exploitation material. That means you and anyone you send the image to may face serious consequences.

Anyone who has a sexual image of a minor or shares it with others is also committing a crime and may be prosecuted. Legal penalties can include a fine, spending time in prison and being added to the sex offenders register.

2. Your nude could be shared with others

Before sending an nude, think about the consequences. Even though the person might promise that they’ll never share it with anyone, they may be lying.

At a certain point, the person may decide to share it with their friends or post it on social media. This might not happen right away. In fact, nudes can be shared a long time after they’re sent, for example, after an argument or a break-up.

3. Your nude could be used to harass you

After you send a nude, the person could use the image as blackmail to force you to give in to other demands.

For example, the person may threaten to share the image widely if you refuse to share more nudes, send them money, etc.

4. Sending a nude could affect your health and reputation

If a sexual image of you is shared, you can take action to have it removed.

However, it can be difficult to ensure all traces of the image are completely gone, which could affect your online reputation as you grow up.

Also, this experience can have serious effects on your mental health and wellbeing. If this happens to you, never be afraid to ask for help from a parent, carer or another trusted adult.

5. Sending a nude doesn’t create a healthy relationship

The person you’re communicating with might try to tell you that sending nudes is a way of proving that you trust each other.

However, anyone who truly respects and trusts you would never expect you to do this.

In fact, healthy relationships allow both partners to express what they want, while recognising the importance of mutual respect and consent.

If the person reacts badly when you don’t send a nude, your relationship may not be a healthy one. It could be a sign that the relationship is not meant to be.

What to do if a nude has been shared