Recent media coverage of leaked images from photo sharing apps
Many members will be aware of recent media coverage of the hacking/leaking of images shared using popular photo sharing apps. While reports conflict about the precise nature of the breach, it is clear that some of the images leaked were of children and young people.
Our colleagues at CEOP (the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre) have provided some helpful advice on this issue, including advice for young people on what to do in the event that they lose control of an explicit image of themselves or if they are concerned that their photos might be amongst those leaked.
In addition, we have updated our own guidance on the sharing of sexual images, which also addresses the impact of pornography on young people. I have written a blog on the issue, emphasising the risks associated with sharing sexual images, both because of the kind of breaches which have been reported this week, but also in relation to the regular sharing of such images between young people.
PSHE education is at its worst when it is judgmental but it is important that children and young people understand the risks of sharing images of themselves and others – even with those they feel very close to. We hope the information we and our colleagues at CEOP have provided will prove useful to you all in addressing this difficult issue.
Joe Hayman, Chief Executive
