“Sexting” has been in the news lately, with the authorities admitting that it’s a problem in Bermuda’s schools.

While the practice is, apparently, more of an issue in secondary schools, there is also evidence of it happening in primary schools. So what does it in entail?

When people talk about “sexting”, they usually refer to sending and receiving:

• naked pictures or “nudes”

• “underwear shots”

• sexual or “dirty pics”

• rude text messages or videos.

They can be sent from a friend, boyfriend, girlfriend or someone you’ve met online.

“Sexting” can happen for lots of reasons. You might:

• feel like “everyone else is doing it” and want to fit in with in with friends — especially if they are boasting about sending or having photos on their mobile phone

• worry about being seen as “not sexy”, “frigid” or “shy” and go along with things you’re uncomfortable with.

• feel under pressure to sext as a way of “proving” your sexuality

• feel harassed, threatened or blackmailed into sending pictures.

• feel it’s easier just to “give in” to somebody who keeps asking for things

• think you “owe” your boyfriend or girlfriend or made to feel guilty if you don’t do what they ask you for

• be in love with the person and trust them completely and feel like it’s okay

• have a long distance or online relationship with someone and want to have a sexual relationship with them

• feel proud of your body and want to share it with other people.

•Source and for tips on how to speak to your children on sexting: www.childline.org.uk