Childline’s new tool helps young people remove nude images shared online
The NSPCC’s service for children and young people, Childline, has launched the Report Remove tool with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) to help young people remove nude images of themselves from the internet.
The NSPCC’s service for children and young people, Childline, has launched the Report Remove tool with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) to help young people remove nude images of themselves from the internet.
The Report Remove tool can be used by any young person under 18 to report a nude image or video of themselves that’s appeared online. The IWF then review these reports, and work to have the content removed if it breaks the law.
There are many reasons a young person may have shared a self-generated sexual image. Some may have sent an image for fun, or to a boyfriend or girlfriend, which has then been shared with others or on platforms without their consent. They may also have been groomed online or blackmailed into sharing this content.
The IWF has seen reports of self-generated images more than double for the first 6 months this year compared with the same period last year1.
We all know the devastating impact that the sharing of nude images can have on a young person. Some young people told counsellors they felt embarrassed, fearful and self-loathing, while others had concerns about the long-term impact on the
Using Report Abuse to report nude images
First piloted in February 2020, the Report Remove tool can be found on the Childline website.
To report a nude image or video, the young person has to first verify their age. Childline service ensures all young people are safeguarded and supported throughout the process.
Young people can expect the same level of confidentiality they would from all their interactions with Childline; they do not need to provide their real name to Childline or IWF if they don’t want to.
The tool has been developed in collaboration with law enforcement to make sure that children will not be unnecessarily visited by the police when they make a report.
Supporting your child if their nude images are being shared
If a child has had a nude image shared online it’s vital they know who to turn to for support and our Report Remove tool is available for them.
You can also find more ways to support your child if they’ve been sexting here.
Worried about a child?
If you’re worried about something a child or young person may have experienced online, you can contact the NSPCC helpline for free support and advice. Call us on 0808 800 5000 or contact us online.
Children or young people can contact Childline any time to get support themselves.
