Non-Consensual Distribution of Intimate Images
The non-consensual distribution of intimate images (NCDII) refers to the sharing of an “intimate” image or video of another person without their consent. If the image or video involves someone under 18, it is illegal to distribute regardless of whether consent was provided. For steps on how to report these images to various apps or services, go to NeedHelpNow.ca.
It is very important that you monitor interactions between your child and their peers following a NCDII incident. They may be targeted by peers and subjected to verbal, and in some cases, physical bullying or harassment as well as alienation. In some instances, this can leave your child feeling isolated, shamed, helpless or humiliated. Take any threat of self-harm seriously and immediately seek professional help.
What should parents know about this issue?
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Be aware that teens do not typically share experiences they are embarrassed or ashamed of with their parents – don’t assume you would know if there was a problem.
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Teens will make errors in judgment – it is all a part of growing up. When a teen does make a mistake, use this as an opportunity for them to learn and grow. Encourage them to separate the error in judgment from how they define themself.
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The circulation of sexual images/videos their distribution online can have short- and long-term impacts. The effects will vary according to a teen’s personality, temperament, available support systems and resiliency.
Here are the steps you can take:
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If the picture/video is already online, youand your child can take action to have it removed. Determine what app orservice the image/video is displayed on and contact that service to request that they remove it. For detailed steps and more support, visit NeedHelpNow.ca.
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If your child gets texts or DMs, tell them not to respond. In the thousands of cases we have seen, responding makes the harassment worse. The most effective way to reduce harm is to STOP CONTACT.
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Before stopping contact with the person, screenshot all the messages. Depending on the situation, you may want or need to share these screenshots with police.
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Delete and block the person. Tell your child to ask their close friends to do this too, if they are connected to the person through social media.
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Help your child review and adjust their account’s privacy settings. Some platforms allow users to set limits on who can search for them, who can send friend requests or messages.
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If you feel like your child is in crisis, please reach out to Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 for immediate assistance.
Conversations to have with your teen:
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Discuss the difference between healthy relationships (i.e., loving, respectful, caring) and unhealthy relationships (i.e., manipulative, intimidating, pressuring). Remind your teen that pressure from a boyfriend/girlfriend to engage in sexual conversations or share sexual images/videos does not constitute a caring relationship.
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Explain the importance of establishing and respecting personal boundaries when using technology. Both the information your teen has shared and the information others have shared with your teen should be protected and handled with respect (e.g., not shared with others). Emphasize that this continues to apply once a relationship has come to an end.
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Discuss the types of problems that may arise from sharing private and intimate information electronically, including images and videos. Once information is sent, it can be easily misused. This may include the recipient showing it to friends, sending or posting it online or using it to manipulate the other person, for example, to engage in further sexual activity.
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Teach your youth that it is illegal to distribute an intimate image of someone without their consent.
To help parents manage this social challenge, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (through its Cybertip.ca program) has created a resource guide for families. For more information, please visit cybertip.ca/intimate-images.
The tips and other information provided herein is intended as general information only, not as advice. Readers should assess all information in light of their own circumstances, the age and maturity level of the child they wish to protect and any other relevant factors.