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Your device blurs photos and videos that you receive or try to send that may show private body parts. Once a photo is shared online, you can’t control who sees it. Nude photos can be used to hurt people, including you.
I’ve received a blurred photo or video. What do I do?
- If you receive a blurred photo or video, do not open it. Show your device to an adult you trust. If you open it and it makes you feel uncomfortable, tell a trusted adult.
I’m thinking about sending a photo or video. Should I do it?
Before you send a photo or video, stop and ask yourself:
- “Does it pass the ‘Swimsuit Test’? Are my private parts covered?” If not, don’t send it.
- “Is someone pressuring me to send a photo or video that makes me uncomfortable?” That person may be trying to hurt you. Tell a trusted adult.
- “Would my family be OK with me sending it? Am I OK with anyone seeing it?” Once you share a photo or video with another person, you cannot control who sees it.
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To stay safe online:
- Ask a parent before downloading or installing an app or a game, making a purchase, or visiting a website for the first time.
- Invite your parent to try out your favourite apps and games so they can understand what you like and why.
- Keep personal information like your home address private. And never share passwords with anyone other than your parents.
- Only talk to people you know in real life.
- Be honest about your age when you sign up for apps and games.
- Review the privacy settings in apps and games to limit who sees your information. A parent can help you decide which settings are best for you.
- If someone says something mean about you or someone else, tell a trusted adult but don’t respond. That might make it worse.
- Tell a trusted adult if you see something that confuses or scares you or makes you uncomfortable.
- Be kind to others online as well as in real life.
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Some people use the internet to harm children. They may pretend to be your friend and ask you to do things that aren’t good for you. It’s called grooming. Here are some signs.
The person might:
- Pretend to act nice to gain your trust, or ask questions about your family.
- Give and ask you to hide gifts.
- Talk about love or sex.
- Ask you to keep secrets.
- Try to convince you to feel sorry for them.
- Show or send you photos or videos of private body parts.
- Ask you to send photos or videos with your clothing removed or of your private body parts.
- Make you feel like you’ve done something wrong.
- Tell you that if you say something, nobody will believe you or you will get into trouble.
- Threaten to hurt you, your family, a pet or other loved ones if you say anything.
If you notice any of these signs, someone may be trying to harm you. It’s not your fault. Talk to an adult you trust.
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If someone is repeatedly mean to you or others online, it’s called cyberbullying. Naked pictures can be used to bully. It’s not your fault. No one deserves to be treated cruelly.
If you are being cyberbullied:
- Stay calm and positive. Sometimes a negative reaction is what the person is looking for. Responding in anger can make things worse.
- You do not need to respond. If someone sends you a nude photo or video, or anything that makes you uncomfortable, you can get help.
- Save the evidence. Take a screenshot of the evidence so a trusted adult can help.
- Report and block. Ask a trusted adult for help to report the person and block or mute the account.
- Talk about it. If you are feeling upset, talk with a trusted adult or get support from a friend. Remember: if you are being cyberbullied, it’s not your fault.
If you see someone being cyberbullied:
- Stay calm and positive. Attacking the person who is cyberbullying can make things worse.
- Show your support. If possible, send a kind message to the person being cyberbullied.