New campaign highlighting the risks of sexting

This is the key question that principals and teachers in post primary schools in Londonderry are being asked to bring to their pupils as part of new initiative to highlight the dangers of sexting - the sending or sharing of explicit photos or videos online

Derry and Strabane Policing and Community Safety Partnership and the Western Domestic and Sexual Violence Partnership, an umbrella group for local agencies working to tackle abuse, have come together to highlight the dangers of sexting using the tagline #itsnotok

School principals, teachers, parents, youth workers and others are being urged to raise the issue and provide support for young people who have been affected. They are being asked to help raise awareness about the dangers of sending or sharing nude images or videos online.

The organisers of the #itsnotok events and awareness raising campaign will be offering resources to schools and others working with young people that will include screen wipes which can attach to phones and will contain key messages and useful information to aid protection, prevention and support.

Help will also be available to anyone who has had their image circulated on social media or may be concerned about someone else and is not sure how best to help.

Other members of the Western Domestic and Sexual Violence Partnership across the area organising events during Sexual Violence Awareness Raising Week (February 6 - 12) include: NEXUS, NSPCC, Foyle Women’s Aid, Men’s Action Network, Men’s Advisory Project and Western Health and Social Care Trust.