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Supporting young people to take down nudes shared online

Using the Report Remove tool

Report Remove logo

When a young person loses control of a nude image of themselves, it can be very distressing. It's important that young people don't feel judged when this happens and you should reassure them that they haven’t done anything wrong. You should also follow your organisation’s child protection procedures.

You can also help a young person aged under 18 to use the Report Remove tool to see if the image or video can be taken down, and Childline can provide further support. Find out more in our video below. 

> Learn more about how to respond appropriately to incidents of sexting

References

Watch: guidance for professionals

How it works

Report Remove can help to take down nude or sexual images that include at least one of the following:

  • nude or semi-nude sexual posing
  • someone nude or semi-nude touching themselves in a sexual way
  • any sexual activity involving a child
  • someone hurting someone else sexually
  • sexual activity that includes animals.

Remember, you should never view the image.

Even if you’re not sure whether an image or video will be removed, it’s important to support the young person use the tool. The list above is only an indication of the type of images and videos that might be removed. The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) will assess the image and try to remove it if they can. Young people can also choose to access emotional support from Childline during the process.

Using the tool

Children and young people can access Report Remove on the Childline website. They then follow three steps:

  1. Follow the instructions to confirm their age
    They may be asked if they want to prove their age using ID.
  2. Log in or create a Childline account
    Childline will let the young person know the outcome of their report and provide further support where needed.
  3. Submit the image or video
    A specialist analyst at IWF will review it and work to have it removed if it breaks the law. 

> See full information about Report Remove on the NSPCC website

> View support for children and young people on the Childline website, including explanatory video

Resources for Law Enforcement Officers 

We have developed a range of resources for Police Officers in England and Wales. Share our digital recourses with colleagues across your organisation.

> Download Report Remove poster (PDF)

> Download Report Remove leaflet (PDF)

> Download Report Remove wallet card (PDF)

Use our printable resources in control rooms, on your person and around your organisation.

> Download Report Remove poster (PDF)

> Download Report Remove leaflet (PDF)

> Download Report Remove wallet card (PDF)

References

In partnership with

Sharing nudes and semi-nudes training course

Our online course will support you to respond appropriately to incidents of sharing nudes or semi-nudes. You'll learn why young people may share images online, the risks involved and how to support them and their parents or carers. The course covers managing incidents, what the law says and how to make a report. The training takes around 3 hours, is CPD-certified and costs £25. 

 

> Take the course

 

Find out more about Childline

Childline is the UK’s free, 24-hour service which gives children and young people up to the age of 19 confidential support with whatever is worrying them. Find out more

Find out more about Childline

Childline is the UK’s free, 24-hour service which gives children and young people up to the age of 19 confidential support with whatever is worrying them. Find out more