However, as of January 2016 in England and Wales, if a young person is found creating or sharing images, the police can choose to record that a crime has been committed but that taking formal action isn't in the public interest.Ĭrimes recorded this way are unlikely to appear on future records or checks, unless the young person has been involved in other similar activities which may indicate that they're a risk. "Instead of watching X factor tonight take a look at this, it just may well safeguard your child." I have found it really helpful to me as a parent. "The link below is from our website and will give you everything you need to know. "They may not like you for it but it's for their safety. You need to be more intrusive and make sure you know what they are posting on social media.
"If you are a parent with teenagers you need to get yourself up to speed as to what they are doing online. Why live music in Cornwall is being killed by 'selfish' neighbours.I have dealt with numerous 13-year-old boys and girls this week from the Plympton area who have been exchanging naked images of themselves to others. He gave some timely advice to mums and dads who may have been in the dark about their children's online activity.Īt the time, he said: "SEXTING! I hope that has got your attention because it certainly has for me this week.
“We realise that this can be an embarrassing or awkward conversation for both parents and children, so the NSPCC has created a guide for families about the risks of sexting, what the law says, and what to do if their child has shared a nude image that is being circulated online or among their peers.”ĭevon and Cornwall Police were unable to confirm the matter had been reported.īut the incident comes less than two months after PC Rendle, part of the policing team in Plympton, posted a stark warning following a spate of cases of teens in the city swapping nude images. “As well as causing embarrassment if shared, this material can also put young people at risk of bullying by peers or being targeted by adult sex offenders, so it's vital that parents talk to their children to help them feel empowered to say no to producing these images. Tahira said: “Sharing intimate selfies or videos is never a good idea because the young person loses control over the image as soon as it is sent.
Tahira Rauf, NSPCC service centre manager in Plymouth, warned Herald readers that when young people send images or videos on Snapchat, they lose control of who uses them or how they are used.īut more worryingly, that they can result in bullying by peers or the children being targeted by adult sex offenders. "It’s like sexting but on a new and dangerous level." "The police have been informed and were already aware that this is happening. "Not to mention that this kind of thing could easily get into the wrong hands. A secret look at what lies beneath Truro’s Lemon Quay."It’s obviously completely inappropriate for them to be doing and then to broadcast it on Snapchat is disgraceful. The mum added: "This is a serious welfare issue, not to mention illegal and really very dangerous. "I know for a fact that this has been seen by many children all over Plymouth as the two children in question have hundreds of Snapchat followers." Two people in hospital after car and van crash leaves A388 blocked in Cornwall."This was broadcast to their hundreds of followers, probably all other children the same age. "I have recently been shown screenshots of a video of two 13-year olds in Plymouth having sex which was added to their Snapchat story. The concerned mother said: "Parents need to be more vigilant and aware of what their children are doing on social media. One Plympton resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said she was shocked to see the video had been shared among young people in the area, reports the Plymouth Herald.