Sharing naked or nearly naked images of yourself or others online is called sexting. Young people could be influenced to sext because they are in a relationship, because someone sent one first or because a promise has been made in exchange for sending of one. Not all incidents of sexting are consensual. It might be that a person is emotionally blackmailed or coerced into sending them. Most devices have video or camera capability and despite the sending of these images generally being between two people, once they have been sent, they can easily be shared with a wider group of people. Sexting can cause a great deal of distress, both to the young person who has sent it and to young people recieveing it. Sharing naked or nearly naked images or videos of under 18s is illegal, even if it is sent by the young person themselves. Our sexting hot topic provides more information.