It's an uncomfortable topic, but sexting among teenagers is far more common than most parents realise — and when an image is shared without consent, the fallout can be serious. The eSafety Commissioner has reported a sharp rise in sextortion, where young people are threatened over intimate images. This isn't about scaring anyone; it's about being ready to help if it happens.
Why do teens do it?
Rarely for the reasons adults assume. It's often tied to relationships and trust, curiosity, a sense that "everyone's doing it", or pressure and coercion from someone else. Understanding the "why" helps you respond with support rather than shock.
The real risks
Once an image is sent, control of it is gone. It can be forwarded, screenshotted, or used to humiliate — what's known as image-based abuse. A fast-growing threat is sextortion, where scammers (often targeting teenage boys) pose as a peer, obtain an image, then demand money or more images. There are legal risks too: in Australia, sharing intimate images without consent is illegal, and images involving under-18s carry serious legal implications — even between minors.
How to respond if it happens
Your calm is everything. Don't shame or punish — a young person who feels judged will shut down exactly when they need help most. Preserve the evidence, report the image to the platform, and report to the eSafety Commissioner's image-based abuse scheme, which can help get intimate images removed. If there's extortion or a child-safety concern, involve police.
Prevention starts with conversation
The best protection is talking about consent, pressure and pressure-resistance before it comes up — not after. Kids who've rehearsed "no", and who know you'll help rather than blame, are far safer online.
We help students navigate these exact pressures in age-appropriate, engaging sessions. Book a cyber safety presentation for your school.
Bring this into your school
Jonny covers this topic and more in live sessions for students, parents and staff.
Book a school presentation
