Project Zero - Answer Three - EdShift

In a recent report by the schools watchdog for England, girls reported being contacted by up to 11 boys a night asking for nude images.

The report also found 9 in 10 girls believed that sexist name-calling and being sent unwanted nude photos or videos happened “a lot” between their mates.

Students often do not see the point of reporting abuse.

At PROJECT ZERO we want to work with the whole school to make sure that everyone understands how to report incidents of violence against women and girls.

We also want to empower students with the confidence to challenge it when they see it and to make the right choice by being part of the solution and not the problem.

We understand that there are a number of reasons why you might send a nude pic. You might be:

Being blackmailed, harassed or threatened
Being groomed or coerced
Feel like you ‘owe’ your boyfriend or girlfriend and made to feel guilty if you don’t
You might be in a relationship with someone and think that you trust them
You might have an online relationship and want to have a sexual one
You might do it as a dare or joke.

What's important to remember is that once you send a nude image of yourself, you have zero choice in what that person decides to do with it.

It’s also important that you understand the law.

The law says that creating or sharing sexual images or videos of a child under 18 is illegal.

This includes:

Sending sexual messages to a child
A child taking an explicit photo or video of themselves or a friend
Sharing an explicit image or video of a child, even if it's shared between children of the same age
Having, downloading or storing an explicit image or video of a child, even if the child gave their permission for it to be taken
Sharing an explicit image or video of a child is illegal, even if it's shared between children of the same age.

If someone shared a nude image or video of you it can have a huge emotional impact on you.

If anyone needs support with the issues raised above, PROJECT ZERO will be visiting school’s to help young people report incidents.

Time will also be available for 1:1’s should anyone need to speak to someone confidentially.

If your support needs are of an urgent matter, you can speak with your schools designated safeguarding lead, trusted adult or school pastoral or you can speak with a ChildLine counsellor on 0800 1111

You can also contact the police on 999.

There are steps you can take to get the image removed. Visit Childline by clicking the button below.

PROJECT ZERO funded by: