PSNI educate young people about 'Sexting' and 'Sextortion'

By Gráinne Connolly

Young people in Carrickfergus and Larne have been learning about the dangers of 'Sexting' and 'Sextortion', following a visit from the PSNI to local secondary schools/ 

Officers outlined some of the main facts about 'Sexting' to the young people. 

That included that the age of consent for sex is 16, however when it comes to explicit images of a child the law clearly defines the relevant age to be 18. 

Therefore, if a 17 year old shares explicit images with his/her 18 year old partner, both people may have committed offences. 

Meanwhile, Police say that 'Sextortion' has become a growing scam, which has taken hold over the last few years and can affect people of all ages. 

A spokesperson for the PSNI said: 

"If you are having an online chat with a good looking stranger who suggests you remove clothing or carry out an explicit act of some sort, you really should be hearing alarm bells.

"If you cannot hear them, listen more carefully because if not, what will follow will usually be a threat to share images with all your friends and family if you do not pay a large, usually life changing amount of money.

"Many people have sadly been driven to suicide by this horrendous fraud.

"Avoid getting trapped this way. I would suggest any sexual adventure via webcam with someone you do not know be avoided at all costs.

"If you do not heed this advice and find yourself in that situation, there is a way out.

"If you are a young person, as embarrassing as it may seem, tell your parents.

"If you find this too difficult, inform a teacher or report the matter to police. Police can then take action to prevent any sharing of these images or find those responsible. This situation is never as hopeless as you may think it is."