Young people

Being Pressured to Send Nudes

Whether it's a boyfriend, girlfriend, someone you're talking to, or someone you've never met, nobody has the right to pressure you into sending a nude. Here's how to handle it.

Last reviewed: 9 November 2026

You can always say no

You don't owe anyone a photo, not if they sent one first, not if they say everyone does it, and not if you've sent one before. Someone who really likes you will accept your answer. If they don't, that tells you a lot about them.

What pressure looks like

Pressure isn't always obvious. It can sound like:

  • "If you loved me, you would."
  • "Everyone else does it."
  • "I sent you one, so you owe me."
  • "It's just for me. I'll delete it, I promise."
  • "Don't be so frigid / boring / immature."
  • Asking again and again, or sulking when you say no
  • Threatening to break up, tell people things, or share something you already sent

All of these are attempts to get you to do something you've already said you don't want to do. That isn't OK, and some of it is a crime.

Ways to say no

You don't have to explain yourself, but if you want something to send back:

"No. I'm not sending pics, and that's not going to change."
"I like talking to you, but I'm not doing that."
"If you respected me, you'd stop asking."
"I'm not risking it ending up somewhere."
"It's illegal under 18, so no."

Some young people send a funny picture or meme instead: a picture of a cat, a pizza, or a cartoon. Humour can shut a request down without starting an argument.

If they won't stop

1

Stop replying

You don't have to keep the conversation going.

2

Keep the messages

Screenshot the requests and any threats. Don't screenshot any sexual images.

3

Block and report

Every app has a way to report someone asking for sexual images. Use it.

4

Tell someone

A parent, carer, teacher or Childline (0800 1111). If the person is an adult, report to CEOP. It's a crime for an adult to ask you for sexual images.

If you already sent something

It's not too late to take back control. Don't send more. Ask them to delete it. Use Report Remove if you're worried it will be shared. If they threaten you, follow the sextortion steps: don't pay, stop replying, and get help.

Why the pressure isn't your fault

Whatever happens, the responsibility belongs to the person doing the pressuring, not to you. If you're feeling ashamed, scared or stuck, talk to someone. Childline counsellors hear about this every single day, and they won't judge you.

Need help right now?

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 (UK), 112 (Ireland/EU), 911 (US/Canada) or 000 (Australia).

More for young people and parents

Sexting and under-18s: the factsWhat the law says, what to do if a nude of you is out there, and where to get help.Being pressured to send nudesHow to say no, what to say back, and why it's never your fault.How to remove a nude of you (under 18)Report Remove, Take It Down and other tools to get images taken down.A parent's guide to sextingHow to talk about it, and what to do if your child has sent, received or shared nudes.Sexting incidents: guidance for schoolsHow schools and colleges should respond when nudes are shared.

Sexting and the law  |  Staying safe  |  Young people and parents  |  FAQ  |  All guides

© 2024 - All Rights