We’re asking teenagers to think twice

We’re asking teenagers to think twice

10th November 2026

A new campaign by Sussex Police launched yesterday  (Nov 9) in a bid to encourage young people to stop and think before sharing an intimate photo with someone else. 

The Think Twice initiative wants teenagers to pause before pressing send and hits home the message that they will no longer have control once the image has been shared. 

A private photo could be forwarded on or even shared online - giving viewing access to unlimited people and having a devastating impact. 

It is illegal for anyone to make, share, send or receive an image of a person under 18 years old.  Think Twice aims to educate – not prosecute. 

More than thirty schools across Sussex have signed up to the campaign. They will have access to resources including posters, digital content for display screens information to create their own lesson plans for pupils.

Award-winning designer Pedro Allevato, who has worked with Marvel Studios and Gorillaz, has collaborated with Sussex Police on the campaign– creating three animations to ensure the message hits home.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Bates, child sexual exploitation lead, said: “There is a growing issue with children, particularly teenage girls, feeling pressured to send intimate photos of themselves to someone else.  This could be for a number of reasons, sexual experimentation, or pressure from someone else – perhaps a boyfriend or someone they have met online. 

“Unfortunately, that private image often does not stay private between those two people. We want to ensure young people are aware that the photo they’ve sent could end up being forwarded on to hundreds of others or even published online for anyone to see. 

“Our message is Think Twice before you press send and always talk to an adult you trust, or the police, if you are at all concerned. We will listen to you and we will support you.”

Think Twice | Sussex Police a page where teens and parents can get advice and find other organisations who can help.